Canada is a vast and rugged land. From north to south it spans more than half the Northern Hemisphere.

Canada is a vast and rugged land. From north to south it spans more than half the Northern Hemisphere. From east to west it stretches almost 4,700 miles (7,560 kilometers) across six time zones. It is the second largest country in the world, but it has only one-half of one percent of the world's population.

Canada features black-blue lakes, numerous rivers, majestic western mountains, rolling central plains, and forested eastern valleys. The Canadian Shield, a hilly region of lakes and swamps, stretches across northern Canada and has some of the oldest rocks on Earth.

Canada's far north lies in the frozen grip of the Arctic, where ice, snow, and glaciers dominate the landscape. Few trees grow here, and farming is not practical. Native Canadians, called First Nations people, live in this region by hunting and fishing.

Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

In some ways Canada is many nations in one. Descendents of British and French immigrants make up about half the population. They were followed by other European and Asian immigrants. First Nations peoples make up about four percent of the population.

Inuit people live mostly in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Many Native Canadians live on their traditional lands, but many others have moved to cities across Canada. First Nations artwork is widely recognized and is seen as a symbol of Canadian culture.

Canada's remote north and extensive forests are home to wildlife, from bears , wolves , beavers , deer, mountain lions , and bighorn sheep to smaller animals like raccoons, otters , and rabbits. The country's lakes and rivers, which contain about 20 percent of all fresh water on Earth, are full of fish such as trout and salmon.

Canada's prairies in the south are home to bison and pronghorn antelope. Farther north are Canada's sprawling evergreen forests, which have lots of wildlife, including moose and black bears. Even farther north is the cold, bare tundra, where herds of caribou and musk ox live.

Canadians work hard to protect the native wildlife. Canada has 41 national parks and three marine conservation areas. Nevertheless, species like wolves , lynx, and Atlantic fish have been overhunted and overfished.

GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY

The British monarch is the head of state of Canada. The monarch is represented by a governor-general, who has very limited powers. Laws are made by Canada's elected federal government, which includes a parliament and a prime minister.

Britain's Quebec Act of 1774 granted Quebec its own legal and religious rights. Despite this concession, many Quebec citizens have long sought independence. In votes held in 1980 and 1995, Quebec decided to stay in Canada. But the second vote was very close, and the debate is still alive.

Canada has provided fish, furs, and other natural resources to the world since the 1500s. Today, it is a world leader in agricultural production, telecommunications, and energy technologies. The vast majority of Canada's exports go to the United States.

The first people to come to Canada arrived between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago across a land bridge that joined Asia and North America. Around A.D. 1000, the Viking explorer Leif Eriksson reached Newfoundland, Canada. He tried to establish a settlement, but it didn't last.

In the 16th century, French and British settlers arrived. Land disputes between farmers and fur traders led to four wars between 1689 and 1763. The final war, called the French and Indian War, left the British in control of Canada, but French influence remains strong even today.

In 1867, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick combined to form a dominion with its own government, parliament, and prime minister. Manitoba joined soon after. In 1931, Canada became an independent nation.

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History of Canada

Canadian history does not begin with the arrival of European explorers over 500 years ago; people have been living in the country that we now call Canada for thousands of years.

Canada’s original inhabitants

Centuries before Europeans began to settle in North America, explorers who came here found thriving First Nations and Inuit societies with their own beliefs, way of life and rich history.

When the first European explorers came to Canada they found all regions occupied by native peoples they called “Indians,” thinking they had reached the East Indies. The native people lived off the land, some by hunting and gathering, others by raising crops.

The Huron-Wendat of the Great Lakes Region, like the Iroquois, were farmers and hunters. The Cree and Dene of the Northwest were hunter-gatherers. The Sioux were nomadic, following the bison (buffalo) herd. The Inuit lived off Arctic wildlife. West Coast natives preserved fish by drying and smoking. Warfare was common among Aboriginal groups as they competed for land, resources and prestige.

The arrival of European traders, missionaries, soldiers and colonists changed the native way of life forever. Large numbers of Aboriginals died of European diseases to which they lacked immunity. However, Aboriginals and Europeans formed strong economic, religious and military bonds in the first 200 years of coexistence which laid the foundations of Canada.

The new Dominion of Canada

Today, Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories.

However, when the British North America Act, 1867, (now the Constitution Acts, 1867 to 1982) created the new Dominion of Canada, there were only four provinces – Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The Northwest Territories and Manitoba

The year 1870 – three years after Confederation – brought multiple historic changes to land ownership, including:

  • Canada’s purchase of Rupert’s Land from the Hudson’s Bay Company, which had been granted a charter to the area by the British government exactly two centuries earlier. Rupert's Land spanned all land drained by rivers flowing into Hudson Bay – roughly 40 per cent of present-day Canada. The selling price was 300,000 pounds sterling.
  • Britain’s transfer of the North-Western Territory to Canada. Previously, the Hudson’s Bay Company had an exclusive licence to trade in this area, which stretched west to the colony of British Columbia and north to the Arctic Circle. When it was discovered in the mid-1800s that the Prairies had enormous farming potential, the British government refused to renew the company’s licence. With the Hudson's Bay Company out of the area, Britain was free to turn it over to Canada.
  • The combination of Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory to form the Northwest Territories, followed by the creation of the Province of Manitoba from a small part of this area.

British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon

Subsequent years brought more changes to Canada’s territorial boundaries:

  • In 1871, British Columbia joined the union with the promise of a railway to link it to the rest of the country.
  • In 1873, Prince Edward Island, which had previously declined an offer to join Confederation, became Canada's seventh province.
  • Yukon, which had been a district of the Northwest Territories since 1895, became a separate territory in 1898.

Saskatchewan and Alberta

Meanwhile, Canada was opening up its west, just as its neighbour to the south had done before. Migrants from eastern Canada and immigrants from Europe and the United States began to fill the Prairies, which were still part of the Northwest Territories. Then, in 1905, the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta were created, completing the map of Western Canada.

Newfoundland and Nunavut

After great debate and two referenda, the people of Newfoundland voted to join Confederation in 1949, creating Canada’s tenth province.

On April 1, 1999, Nunavut was created from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories, covering 1.9 million square kilometres of Canada’s Eastern Arctic.

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3 Essays on Canada that Carve Out a Deeper Understanding of the Country!

Canada, a mosaic of landscapes, cultures, and histories, is a captivating subject of exploration. In this collection, we delve into three distinct aspects of this diverse nation.

From its breathtaking wilderness to its multicultural society and rich history, these essays provide a glimpse into the multifaceted tapestry that defines Canada.

Table of Contents

Essay 1: Why is Canada a Good Place to Live and Work

Canada, with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse culture, stands as an attractive destination for individuals seeking a better quality of life and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Its reputation as a welcoming and progressive nation is not unfounded, as it is supported by a multitude of factors that contribute to making Canada a prime choice for living and working.

One of the foremost reasons that make Canada a great place to live and work is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The country is often celebrated as a cultural mosaic, where people from various ethnic backgrounds coexist harmoniously.

This commitment to diversity is beautifully epitomized in cities like Toronto, where one can experience a tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, succinctly captures this ethos, stating, “Canada is strong not in spite of our differences, but because of them.”

This emphasis on celebrating differences has resulted in an open and accepting society that welcomes immigrants and fosters a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, Canada’s robust healthcare and education systems add to its allure. The country offers universal healthcare, ensuring that every citizen and permanent resident has access to essential medical services.

This safety net provides peace of mind to residents, knowing that their health concerns will be addressed without facing crippling financial burdens. In the realm of education, Canada boasts world-class institutions that consistently rank among the top globally.

The quality of education, coupled with the multicultural environment, attracts students from around the world, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Canada’s natural beauty is another undeniable draw. From the breathtaking Rocky Mountains to the serene shores of its many lakes, the country offers a plethora of outdoor activities and a chance to reconnect with nature.

The preservation of its environment is a testament to Canada’s commitment to sustainable practices and high quality of life. The words of renowned environmentalist David Suzuki ring true in this context: “Canada is a country whose main exports are hockey players and cold fronts.

Our main imports are baseball players and acid rain.” The emphasis on protecting the environment for future generations underscores the nation’s dedication to both its citizens and the world at large.

Economically, Canada stands as a stable and prosperous nation. Its thriving industries, such as technology, natural resources, and finance, provide ample employment opportunities.

The country’s sound economic policies and prudent financial regulations have shielded it from the worst impacts of global economic downturns. This stability ensures job security and a promising future for those who choose to build their careers within its borders.

In addition, Canada’s commitment to social welfare is admirable. The Canadian social safety net includes unemployment benefits, affordable housing programs, and support for families and seniors.

This safety net promotes social cohesion and alleviates financial stress during challenging times. Former Canadian Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson, encapsulated this sentiment: “We are not here to boast; we are here to do a job.” This dedication to serving the needs of its citizens speaks volumes about the nation’s values and priorities.

In conclusion, Canada’s well-deserved reputation for quality living and work is supported by diversity, healthcare, education, nature, stability, and welfare. A prime choice for a fulfilling life, Canada’s allegiance to citizens shines as a global opportunity beacon.

Essay 2: Refugees in Canada: A Path to Hope and Opportunity

Canada, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse culture, has also gained international recognition for its compassionate approach toward refugees.

The topic of refugees in Canada is one that has sparked both admiration and intrigue. In this essay, we will explore the country’s exceptional stance on refugee resettlement, the impact of refugees on Canadian society, and the role of global leaders in promoting this humanitarian cause.

Canada’s commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees is emblematic of its values and principles. Over the years, the Canadian government has consistently demonstrated its dedication to welcoming those fleeing conflict and persecution. The Canadian refugee resettlement program, which has been praised worldwide, is a testament to the nation’s belief in offering a second chance to those in need.

As former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aptly stated, “Canada is a country built on immigration, and that diversity only makes us stronger.” These words encapsulate the essence of Canada’s approach to refugees, portraying them not as a burden, but as valuable contributors to the nation’s fabric.

In recent years, Canada has witnessed the profound impact of refugees on its society and economy. Far from being a mere humanitarian gesture, the integration of refugees has enriched Canada culturally, socially, and economically.

According to a study conducted by the Conference Board of Canada, immigrants, including refugees, play a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving economic growth. Their unique experiences and perspectives contribute to a vibrant tapestry of ideas, propelling Canada forward in an increasingly interconnected world.

This sentiment is echoed by entrepreneur and philanthropist, Elon Musk, who remarked, “The value of immigrants to the U.S. economy and to innovation is pretty much unassailable.” This sentiment holds true for Canada as well, as refugees continue to invigorate various sectors and communities across the country.

Furthermore, Canada’s support for refugees extends beyond its borders, signaling its commitment to global solidarity. The nation’s participation in international efforts to address the refugee crisis exemplifies its role as a responsible global citizen.

Former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, praised Canada for being a “model for other countries,” highlighting its dedication to finding sustainable solutions for displaced populations.

Canada’s engagement in diplomatic initiatives and financial contributions underscores its belief in collective action and the importance of shouldering the responsibility of refugee protection on a global scale.

In conclusion, Canada shines as a beacon of compassion, offering hope and setting a global example with its welcoming approach to refugees. Through sanctuary, positive societal impact, and international engagement, Canada’s inclusivity and humanity stand out. Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai’s words remind us of the world-changing power of education. Canada’s embrace of refugees parallels this, providing a new book, a fresh start, and the chance to rewrite life stories. In doing so, Canada not only transforms refugees’ lives but also reshapes its own narrative, rooted in empathy, understanding, and the limitless potential of human resilience.

Essay 3: Multiculturalism In Canada

Multiculturalism, a concept that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusivity, has become a defining feature of modern societies. Canada, often cited as a paragon of multiculturalism, stands as a shining example of how a nation can embrace various cultures while maintaining social cohesion. This essay delves into the significance of multiculturalism in Canada, exploring its historical roots, societal implications, and the lessons it offers to the world.

Canada’s embrace of multiculturalism can be traced back to its history of immigration and settlement. Waves of immigrants from diverse corners of the globe have shaped the nation’s cultural fabric.

The policy of multiculturalism was officially recognized in 1971 when the Canadian government adopted the Multiculturalism Policy of Canada. This policy not only acknowledges the importance of cultural diversity but also promotes equality and social harmony among all citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds.

One of the remarkable aspects of Canada’s multiculturalism is its positive impact on society. Rather than creating isolated enclaves, multiculturalism has encouraged communities to interact, share, and learn from one another.

The result is a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and perspectives that contribute to the nation’s dynamism. For instance, in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, one can find neighborhoods where Chinese markets coexist with Indian restaurants, creating a fusion of flavors and experiences that reflect the global village we live in.

In the words of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, “A society that emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.” This sentiment underscores the wisdom of embracing multiculturalism.

When individuals are encouraged to express their unique identities, they are more likely to feel valued and respected, reducing the potential for social tensions. The Canadian approach of recognizing and celebrating diverse cultures has led to a society where citizens proudly identify with their heritage while also considering themselves Canadian.

However, multiculturalism is not without its challenges. Striking a balance between preserving cultural traditions and fostering a unified national identity can be intricate. Some critics argue that multicultural policies may inadvertently lead to cultural silos, hindering the assimilation of immigrants into the broader society.

To address this concern, it is crucial to promote activities that facilitate cross-cultural interactions, such as cultural festivals, language exchange programs, and collaborative community initiatives.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once remarked, “Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue, and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.”

Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism aligns with this sentiment, offering a model for nations grappling with issues of identity and diversity. As countries face the challenges of globalization and increasing cultural intermingling, the Canadian experience underscores the importance of nurturing an environment where individuals from various backgrounds can coexist harmoniously.

In conclusion, Canada’s multiculturalism shines as a beacon of unity in our divided world. Its history, policies, and societal harmony showcase the power of embracing diversity. Canada celebrates differences, inspiring an inclusive global community. Let’s learn from this model and build a world that thrives on understanding and diversity. endeavor to create a global community that thrives on diversity and understanding.

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Top Reasons to Visit Canada

The expanse of Canada's natural beauty, from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and forests, is almost unparalleled worldwide. But Canada's allure is not just the great outdoors. Canada has cosmopolitan cities that are clean, safe, friendly, and multicultural. In fact, Canada repeatedly is lauded as one of the world's most livable countries. Whether your interests are river rafting or live theater, Canada won’t disappoint.

Spectacular Cities

Canada has many modern, multicultural cities, each with its own distinct personality. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are possibly the best-known, but there are so many others that highlight different aspects of Canada, such as its maritime culture, mountainous landscape, French history, or its indigenous people. Each city is delightful for different reasons.

In addition, Canadian cities are generally much smaller than the biggest counterparts in the United States, so they are easy to navigate. Canadian people, even in big cities, tend to be friendly to strangers, and crime is relatively low. 

Although it’s doubtful you’ll get to all of them in one trip, these cities are the most popular destinations for visitors to Canada:

  • Vancouver , British Columbia, has been a hot spot in Canada for years as far as the number of people who want to live there goes. No wonder. It is on the water and next to a mountain range, making it postcard pretty. In addition, in a country where winter reality can be harsh, Vancouver has a moderate climate, which includes not much snow and early spring. Downsides include lots of rain and low housing availability despite high prices.
  • Calgary , Alberta, is probably most famous for its Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo that attracts more than a million people every July. Calgary is a natural gateway to the Rocky Mountains. 
  • Niagara Falls , Ontario, is home to the Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful waterfall in North America and possibly the best-known in the world. The city itself is very touristy, but there are more charming places nearby. 
  • Toronto , Ontario, is the biggest, brashest city in Canada, often mistaken as the nation's capital. The nearly 6 million residents of the metropolitan area are a diverse mix of English, Chinese, East Indian, Irish, Scottish, and Italian, among other ethnicities. Vibrant and textured, Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. 
  • Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada's capital and home to the country's government. The city has a cultured yet friendly vibe. 
  • Montreal , Quebec, is Canada's second largest city but arguably the cultural capital of the country, with its wide range of festivals and museums. It is European in feeling and quite liberal in character. Much of the old part of the city has been preserved and is a highlight for visitors.
  • Quebec City , Quebec, is a stunning city because of its location, architecture, and level of historical preservation. French is even more common here than in Montreal, though most of the people you will interact with if you're a visitor also speak English.
  • Halifax , Nova Scotia, represents all that is great about the Maritimes (a group of three provinces in Eastern Canada that all border the Atlantic Ocean): Friendly, down-to-earth, fun, affordable, and scenic.
  • Victoria, British Columbia, has a rich English history dating back to the 1840s when the city was established as a trading port but a deeper provenance as an aboriginal community.

Natural Wonders

Few countries boast the number and range of natural wonders that Canada does. With more coastline than any other country, mountain ranges, lakes, forests, arctic lands and even a small amount of desert, Canada has a diverse landscape full of surprises.

Some of Canada’s most spectacular and popular natural attractions are the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Cabot Trail , Niagara Falls, and a multitude of  scenic drives .

Affordability

Canada is an affordable vacation choice. Historically the Canadian dollar is worth slightly less than the U.S. dollar, so prices in Canada generally seem reasonable to travelers.

Outdoor Activities

One of the best reasons to visit Canada is to take advantage of the fabulous outdoors— and there's a lot of it. Canada is the second largest country in the world, but its population is relatively small. Consider that the United States. has about nine times the number of people that Canada does on a slightly smaller land mass. Canada has expansive uninhabited land that gives Canadians and visitors room to roam. Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Canada are camping,  skiing and snowboarding , golfing, fishing, hiking , mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Events and Festivals

Canadians know how to put on a party. Just check out any one of these popular Canadian events and festivals to find out how hospitable Canadians are. 

  • Celebration of Light, Vancouver (largest fireworks competition in the world)
  • Calgary Stampede
  • Edmonton Folk Music Festival
  • Toronto International Film Festival
  • Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa
  • Quebec Winter Carnival , Quebec City
  • Celtic Colours International Festival, Nova Scotia

All-Season Charm

Lots of Canadians head for warmer climates in the winter , but while they're leaving the country, skiers and other winter enthusiasts from around the world are pouring in. Canada is a famous "northern" destination, but it's not all igloos and snowcaps. Spring, summer, and fall have their own charms and add to Canada's appeal.

Of course, because Canada is so large, the climate varies greatly, allowing for a wide range of activities year-round. 

For example, Western Canada, including Vancouver, has a relatively moderate climate with not much snow and early spring. Contrast that to Montreal, which has long, cold winters with loads of snowfall. It definitely pays to know about your destination and what to expect weather-wise.

Canada's French Heritage

French culture remains a prominent part of Canada, mostly in Quebec, but also in Ontario and the Maritime provinces. Canada is officially bilingual, although it's certainly not necessary for tourists to speak French. Quebec, which was settled by the French in the 1600s, is where visitors can visit Montreal and the provincial capital, Quebec City. Quebec remains very European in feel. Its rich history and distinct heritage make it a unique tourist destination.

Family-Friendly

Canada's laid-back attitude and expansive variety of outdoor activities and events make it a fantastic travel destination for families traveling with children. From hiking or skiing and snowboarding to visiting Quebec Winter Carnival or the Calgary Stampede, a Canadian vacation with kids is good fun for the whole family.

Diverse cultures, climates, and landscape make Canada a destination to suit any interest. Canada is a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging diversity. Thus, urban hubs feature a range of ethnic neighborhoods, restaurants, and shops.

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10 Reasons Why Canada is the Best Country to Live in The World

Shakthivel Krishnaraj

Updated On Jan 30, 2024

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 10 Reasons Why Canada is the Best Country to Live in The World

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Table of Contents [ Show ]

  • Ample Job Opportunities
  • Best-in-class Education Facility
  • Free Healthcare
  • Multiculturalism
  • High Quality of life
  • Thriving Economy
  • Wide Immigration Program Selection
  • Immigrant Settlement Support
  • Breathtaking Landscapes and Climate

Canada has become a prime choice for immigrants due to the lifted Express Entry gateways, prompting a surge in applicants. The consistent drop in CRS scores cut-off presents a promising opportunity for skilled immigrants. Additionally, Canada's top ranking for immigration in 2021 and 2022 solidifies its appeal as a destination for individuals seeking stability and better living standards.

Why is Canada the best country to live in?

Canada, also known as the land of opportunities has plenty of reasons to be your favorite like free public healthcare, beautiful landscapes, the best of the robust education system, and unmatched job opportunities to name a few. Without any further adieu let us scroll through the most important reasons why Canada is the best country to live in.

1. Ample Job Opportunities

Jobs in Canada

We are well-updated that Canada is on the verge of a high shortage of skilled workers as a result of the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. Now that the Canadian government plans to meet its shortage at an effective rate this has resulted in massive acceptances or ITAs being rolled out to the PR applicants, at a consistently decreasing CRS scores .

Irrespective of the tight labor market, by the end of 2021 the Canadian economy successfully rebounded and also ensured significant growth compared to its post-pandemic situation.

According to the CBC report, the GDP overgrew the expectations of the analysts which was about 6.5%, to a remarkable 6.7% in the 4th quarter (calculated annually). Not to forget there are no policies in the country that discriminate against immigrants, thus preventing them from gaining the best opportunities.

2. Best-in-class Education Facility

Universities in Canada

Canada’s education system is one of the major influencing factors for people to immigrate to the country. The country surely wins the best country for education status in many accords.

The education levels or standards that you get to experience in Canada are very well equivalent to the standards of prevalent countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. But the best part here is that the cost of living involved for the students in Canada is quite affordable compared to the USA, UK, and other similar countries.

If you are a research enthusiast, then Canada is surely your destination as the country is equipped with modern education research, making the students prepared to overcome the worst to the best situations (employment ready).

3. Free Healthcare

Free Healthcare in Canada

Canada offers free public healthcare facilities to its residents including immigrants as well. The universal healthcare system in the country functions healthily through the taxes collected. All you need to do is apply for healthcare insurance and show the card at hospitals and clinics, this insurance mostly covers all healthcare expenses.

Healthcare is surely one of the prime considerations when planning to immigrate as we are well aware that the cost that could be incurred is not less than a ton and many families cannot have gone bankrupt paying the medical bills.

Also Read: Canada: Govt Funded Healthcare

Safety in Canada

Canada has been ranked 3rd in terms of quality of life, one more addition to this is that the country has been consistently ranked high (6th safest country as per Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report 2022) in terms of the safety aspect.

Canada has been recorded with the lowest crime rates which make living in the country more desirable and contribute to a better quality of life. The government, as well as locals of the country, work hand in hand, to ensure that problems like racism and similarly many other reasons, never arise.

5. Multiculturalism

Cultural Diversity in Canada

Today Canada is home to immigrants from more than 200 countries from various races, religions, and cultures. This secularity has been noted since 1988 when the Canadian government passed the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which highlights the commitment of the federal government to fostering a diverse society.

In the first quarter of 2022 itself, the country has homed 113,699 immigrants from all around the world, the record highest ever since Canadian history after 1946. The country inculcates Mosaic culture meaning they believe to let every culture breathe in harmony with each other.

6. High Quality of life

High Quality of Life in Canada

Due to its high quality of life, including top-notch and affordable education, refreshing vacation spots, free healthcare, and a thriving economy, many people are eager to immigrate to the top-ranked country post-pandemic. Residents enjoy a prosperous life, which confirms Canada as a great place to live.

Not to forget the great food that you get to taste. You would be happy to know that a few of your favorite foods originate from Canada, like Hawaiian Pizza (which you might have thought is from Hawaii) originated in Canada, Ontario in 1962 by a Canadian pizzeria owner

7. Thriving Economy

Thriving Economy in Canada

Canada has surely ensured to maintain a good stand and has been ranked 9th in the GDP ranking . The unemployment rate as we look at is as low as 6.5% (as per WorldPopulationReview report 2021), which is far too less than the average unemployment rate which is 10.31%.

Canada’s constant thrive to develop and nurture has left behind bigger nations like Australia, Russia, Korea, Brazil, and many more. The three main industries that contribute to this development and ensure that the Canadian economy thrives are Service, Manufacturing, and Natural Resources industries which makes Canada the best country to live and work.

Also Read: Canada: Economic Stability

8. Wide Immigration Program Selection

Wide immigration Program Selection in Canada

Just if you only consider the economic class of immigrants, Canada has more than 100 immigration programs offered. Since July the country has been very aggressively looking out to fill their skilled labor shortage and hence welcoming applicants under all the programs in Express Entry.

Along with the Express Entry gateways, another quite prominent way is the Provincial Nominee Programs for 11 provinces of the country. This makes it easier for immigrants to through the immigration process, you just need to follow the right PR process and you will be sorted.

9. Immigrant Settlement Support

Immigrant Settlement Support in Canada

One of the unique features for people willing to relocate to Canada is that the country offers settlement support to their immigrants. You can avail of this service even before arriving in the country and it is irrespective of your nationality. It is noted that Canada yearly spends an approx. about CAD 1.7 billion on settlement services.

The process to access these services is through IRCC and for Quebec province immigrants through MIFI. This funding is carried out by multiple levels of the organization. For example, IRCC, at the federal level, has 1200 active service providers listed on its website who provide services across Canada.

10. Breathtaking Landscapes and Climate

Good Landscapes in Canada

One of the other advantages besides monetary and other benefits is that you get to live, experience, and breathe the breathtaking places and cities that would surely amaze you. You get to visit the places in person that otherwise are just limited to your desktop wallpapers or your imagination.

Canada witnesses a lot of tourists and travelers, exploring the country every year, be it for adventure, relaxation, or simply exploring, Canada has got it all for you. The extravagant nature of the country has brought you the power pack experience for you to withhold a lifetime of memories.

Fulfill Your Dreams of Living in Canada with GetGIS!

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Canada has a very long list of factors that make the country appealing to immigrants in search of a better life. Along with personal and professional benefits, one of the other notable benefits that mark the country as the prime choice is its stable political system, making it rank high in the social purpose metrics even above better countries like the United States.

GetGIS has some of the best immigration experts who can help you every step of the way to settle in Canada. Our experts can help you get a job in Canada by optimizing your job profile as per Canadian.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Shakthivel Krishnaraj

Shakthivel Krishnaraj

Content Marketing Specialist

Shakthivel Krishnaraj brings his expertise to the role of Content Marketing Specialist at GetGIS with a professional background rooted in journalism and writing,  He is dedicated to aiding individuals in making successful career transitions, drawing upon his extensive experience across various industries. His skill set is marked by thorough research abilities and a genuine passion for sharing knowledge that empower readers with insightful information.

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Canada essay

Canada essay 4 models

Canada essay  contains many important information about the State of Canada, which is the second largest in the world in terms of space. Here you will find information about the location of Canada as well as its economy, climate and everything related to it. All that information you will find here in Canada essay in English.

Canada essay

Canada is one of the most advanced countries in the world and here we will upgrade its economy and constitution and all the important information about Canada. All of this information will be found here in Canada essay.

The State of Canada is located in the northern part of the North American continent.It is a federal state with a representative democratic and constitutional monarchy, Where Queen Elizabeth II heads the state.

Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of area, with a total area of ​​about 9984670 km 2, While the population according to the statistics in 2006 about 31612897 people. Canada extends from the Atlantic Ocean eastward to the Pacific Ocean, and on the north side is the Arctic Ocean.

English and French are the official languages ​​of the country.Canada is one of the most advanced countries in the world,  Canada is a member in the Group of Seven Industrial Countries , the Group of 20,  The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Organization of American States and APEC.

The State of Canada is a large part of the North American continent, sharing the southern border with the United States and also sharing the Northwest Frontier with the State of Alaska. The State of Canada is located between latitudes 41 ° C and 84 ° N and longitudes 52 ° W.

Canada consists of eight large forests, the most famous of which are the vast northern forests. It contains a large number of lakes and a large stock of fresh water in the world.

 Canada is also a geologically active country, with active earthquakes and volcanoes , most notably the volcano in the Tesikas cone in 1775 that killed 2,000 people.

Temperatures vary in Canada from one location to another, with coastal and inland provinces dominating a continental climate,  The land-locked areas are covered by snow for nearly six months..

Essay on Canada

Canada is one of the most exotic and surprising countries, as it combines a lot of different and diverse life on its land, and has many dangerous and deadly animals throughout.

Despite that, its people can coexist peacefully and adapt to any dangers or life around them. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with a length of 200,000 km. In addition, it is surrounded by three oceans: the Atlantic on the east, the Arctic on the north, and the Pacific Ocean on the west.

The capital of Canada is called Ottawa, and it is the fourth largest Canadian city after Toronto – Calgary – Montreal. Surprisingly, Canada has six time zones due to the geographical range.

We can see in the Canadian flag the maple leaf, which is the most familiar and most famous emblem. Among the famous animals in Canada is the beaver and the Canadian horse as well.

Canada is characterized by many dangerous animals such as bears, which abound in the summer season, and is famous for catching salmon fish in the migration and breeding season.

It is also famous for its green spaces and forests. It is characterized by famous areas such as Niagara Falls, which is very famous in many shots in international films.

Essay about canada

Canada was discovered by the French, and the indigenous peoples of the Amerindians, and the Inuit tribes, lived there. Canada was discovered in the fifteenth century, in 1608.

Events developed in Canada from 1608 to 1663, as the country moved from French control to British hands and from English domination to independence.

There were many wars between the French and the British, called the Seven Years’ War, until France ceded all of Canada to Britain.

After that, Canada witnessed significant growth in agriculture and industry, until it signed a trade agreement with the United States in 1988.

To witness a great and complete change in trade and industry, and to become a source of great attraction for tourism and workers, to form Canada and become ancient and great as we see it today.

Essay on canada country

The local people of Canada are the Indians, and this name was given to them by the Europeans, when they first discovered the country, thinking that it extended to the East Indies, and they are the same people.

The indigenous people lived on fishing in various ways, using what allows them to hunt and live. Some of them worked in agriculture, others were fishermen. This is due to the area in which they live, and the extent of the availability of life in it, whether from water or fertile soil and other things.

The Siew Bedouin tribe is famous for other indigenous tribes that lived on Canadian lands. And that is because of her hunting for the bison buffalo, as they were tracking him and preparing ambushes for it to hunt.

This is the opposite of what the people of the west coast of Canada were doing, where they used to catch fish, dry it by smoking, and live on it. This method is still ongoing and present to this day.

The arrival of the Europeans to the local population in a large way, led to a great change in the way they lived and the tools they used, missionaries and colonial soldiers arrived in the country, which led to the dissemination of different cultures and customs of the indigenous peoples.

Among the things that affected the indigenous people are the diseases that came with the Europeans, which they lacked immunity against, which led to the death of many of them.

After that, many wars followed on Canadian soil from the Vikings and other countries until governments were formed and the constitution was formed, which helped change the entire region and earned it wealth and earned many kings great reputation and wealth.

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Personal Essay on “Why I want to Study in Canada”: Samples, Do’s and Don’t’s

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  • Updated on  
  • Dec 8, 2023

Personal Essay on “Why I Want to Study in Canada”

If you want to learn how you can write an effective essay on studying in Canada, then you are at the right place. Maybe you are assigned to write this essay by your teacher, or you are submitting this to a competition, or maybe you are just preparing for a speech. It doesn’t matter what’s your intention, this blog will surely help you with writing your essay. We have provided below some samples of why I want to study in Canada essay. These sample essays will help you understand practically how you can write this topic. Towards the end of the blog, we will also share some do’s and don’t of writing the essay. 

This Blog Includes:

Sample 1 (100 words), sample 2 (150 words), sample 3 (300 words), do’s and don’t’s.

I want to study in Canada because it is known for offering high-quality education and extensive employment opportunities. This country can offer me everything I need to boost my career. It’s not just the academics that draw me towards Canada, it is also its good quality of life. The nation boasts an inclusive and culturally diverse environment. 

I am choosing Canada to study abroad because I will never feel far from home while studying in this country, thanks to its welcoming and friendly residents. I want to have a safe, secure, and booming career, and I believe Canada can offer me that. So, this was all I wanted to say in my why I want to study in Canada essay. 

Also Read: 🧑‍🚀Essay on Chandrayaan 3: Samples 100, 150, and 200 Words

Canada has always been my dream destination for the pursuit of my higher education and it’s not just me. Students from across the globe frequently choose Canada as their study-abroad destination and for very good reasons. Canada houses some of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering top-notch education and a plethora of career opportunities to international students. 

Universities like McGill University , University of Toronto , and the University of British Columbia consistently rank among the top across the world. These institutes provide a wide range of programs and disciplines to their students. 

Moreover, Canada is known for its acceptance and support of overseas students. This makes it easier for students from across the globe to integrate into the Canadian education system and feel at home. The nation’s government even offer various resources and services specifically created to support international students via health insurance, academic support, and housing assistance. I hope I clearly explained the reasons behind Canada being my choice in my why I want to study in Canada essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Indian Culture in 500 Words

Canada is a land of opportunities, for both residents and internationals. Home to some of the best universities in the world and thriving businesses, the country truly offers a ton of career opportunities. I want to give my career the right direction by studying in this beautiful country.

Here are the main reasons why I want to study in Canada:

Top-Notch Universities

Canada is home to various prominent universities, offering world-class education and placement opportunities. Universities like the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, and McGill University consistently rank among the top in the world. 

High Academic Standards 

Canadian universities are known for their high academic standards, ensuring that students obtain a high-quality and rigorous education. The institutes in the country emphasize research and innovation, creating a stimulating environment for students to participate in cutting-edge research and contribute to their respective areas. 

Inclusive and Diverse Culture 

The multicultural society of Canada offers a unique chance for international students to immerse themselves in a diverse and inclusive environment. With people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures, studying in Canada offers a rich cultural experience. The exposure to different traditions, customs, and languages fosters open-mindedness and respect for diversity. This prepares students for a globalised world. 

Strong Job Market

Canada boasts a robust and diverse job market that provides various opportunities for overseas graduates. The country has a thriving economy and a shortage of skilled workers in numerous sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and business. This makes it easier for graduates to find employment. Moreover, Canada’s inclusive immigration policies and supportive business environment make it easier for international students to thrive in their careers. You can get access to a wide range of career opportunities by studying in Canada. 

So, this was all I wanted to say in my why I want to study in Canada essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Women’s Education

We hope that the above samples gave you a solid understanding of writing the why I want to study in Canada essay. However, there are some do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind before you write your essay. 

Here are the do’s of writing the essay:

  • Make sure that each paragraph is in sync with the topic,
  • Stick to the provided word limit, 
  • Pay special attention to the essay’s first line and first paragraph,
  • Get to the point soon after providing a broad overview of the topic, and
  • Ensure that the paragraphs follow a logical sequence.

Here are the don’t’s of writing the essay:

  • Don’t spend too much time on writing the introduction of the essay,
  • Refrain from writing very long sentences,
  • Avoid stating facts when you are unsure about them, 
  • Avoid writing very long incidents or stories in your essay. 

Also Read: Essay on Forest for Students in 500 Words

Ans: Moving to Canada can be immensely beneficial to your professional and personal life. The country boasts world-class education, good-quality life, a diverse culture, and extensive job opportunities. 

Ans: Yes, Canada offers a very safe and welcoming environment to Indian students. 

Ans: Yes, Canada is a wealthy country because of its strong and diversified economy.

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So, this was all about the why I want to study in Canada essay. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad .

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Abhishek Kumar Jha

Abhishek Kumar Jha is a professional content writer and marketer, having extensive experience in delivering content in journalism and marketing. He has written news content related to education for prominent media outlets, garnering expansive knowledge of the Indian education landscape throughout his experience. Moreover, he is a skilled content marketer, with experience in writing SEO-friendly blogs. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal. By receiving an education from a top journalism school and working in the corporate world with complete devotion, he has honed the essential skills needed to excel in content writing.

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Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Canada — The Culture of Canada

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The Culture of Canada

  • Categories: Canada Cultural Identity

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Words: 854 |

Published: Dec 18, 2018

Words: 854 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited:

  • Amnesty.org. (2013, August 6). Pussy Riot jailed for hooliganism. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/pussy-riot-jailed-hooliganism
  • BBC News. (2013, August 23). Pussy Riot: Russian Orthodox Church forgives group. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-23837331
  • Collins Dictionary. (2019). Hooliganism definition and meaning.
  • European Convention on Human Rights. (1950). Article 10 - Freedom of expression.
  • Oxford University Press. (2019). Censorship.
  • Reporters Without Borders. (2019). World Press Freedom Index 2019.
  • Spangler, T. (2019, May 1). What is the FCC, and what does it regulate? Variety. https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/what-is-the-fcc-1203199331/
  • Stern, M. (2017). Sounds like censored: the suppression of dissent in the art world. ABC-CLIO.
  • Wiggins, T. (2014). Censorship in Vietnam: Brave New World. Routledge.
  • Wittern-Keller, L., & Shachar, H. (Eds.). (2010). Freedom of speech: documents decoded. ABC-CLIO.

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Canada's universal health-care system: achieving its potential

Danielle martin.

a Women's College Hospital and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

b Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Ashley P Miller

c Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada

Amélie Quesnel-Vallée

d McGill Observatory on Health and Social Services Reforms, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, and Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada

Nadine R Caron

e Department of Surgery, Northern Medical Program and Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, University of British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada

Bilkis Vissandjée

f School of Nursing and Public Health Research Institute, Université de Montréal, SHERPA Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada

Gregory P Marchildon

g Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada

Access to health care based on need rather than ability to pay was the founding principle of the Canadian health-care system. Medicare was born in one province in 1947. It spread across the country through federal cost sharing, and eventually was harmonised through standards in a federal law, the Canada Health Act of 1984. The health-care system is less a true national system than a decentralised collection of provincial and territorial insurance plans covering a narrow basket of services, which are free at the point of care. Administration and service delivery are highly decentralised, although coverage is portable across the country. In the setting of geographical and population diversity, long waits for elective care demand the capacity and commitment to scale up effective and sustainable models of care delivery across the country. Profound health inequities experienced by Indigenous populations and some vulnerable groups also require coordinated action on the social determinants of health if these inequities are to be effectively addressed. Achievement of the high aspirations of Medicare's founders requires a renewal of the tripartite social contract between governments, health-care providers, and the public. Expansion of the publicly funded basket of services and coordinated effort to reduce variation in outcomes will hinge on more engaged roles for the federal government and the physician community than have existed in previous decades. Public engagement in system stewardship will also be crucial to achieve a high-quality system grounded in both evidence and the Canadian values of equity and solidarity.

This is the first in a Series of two papers about Canada's health system and global health leadership

Introduction

Founded on Indigenous lands and the product of Confederation that united former British colonies in 1867, Canada is a complex project. 36 million people from a rich diversity of ethnocultural backgrounds live on a vast geography bounded by the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, across six time zones and eight distinct climate regions.

Canada is among the world's most devolved federations, with substantial political power and policy responsibility held by its ten provinces and three territories. The province of Quebec, with its unique French-speaking linguistic and cultural context, often charts a policy path that is independent from the rest of the country. 1 The decentralisation of the Canadian polity is expressed in its health-care system—known as Medicare—which is not a national system per se, but rather a collection of provincial and territorial health insurance plans subject to national standards. 2 , 3 These taxation-based, publicly funded, universal programmes cover core medical and hospital services for all eligible Canadians, and are free at the point of care ( figure 1 ).

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Overview of the Canadian health system

Adapted from 2 , 3 .

To Canadians, the notion that access to health care should be based on need, not ability to pay, is a defining national value. This value survives despite a shared border with the USA, which has the most expensive and inequitable health-care system in the developed world. 4

Canadian Medicare is more than a set of public insurance plans: more than 90% of Canadians view it as an important source of collective pride. 5 This pride points to an implicit social contract between governments, health-care providers, and the public—one that demands a shared and ongoing commitment to equity and solidarity. 6 Such a commitment is inevitably challenged in each generation by an array of external shocks and internal problems. Currently, wait times for elective care, inequitable access to health services in both the public and private systems, and the urgent need to address health disparities for Indigenous Canadians threaten this equity and solidarity.

In this first paper of a two-part Series on Canada's health system and global health leadership, 7 we analyse the unique history and features of the Canadian health-care system and consider the key factors challenging domestic policy makers and the system's potential to be a model for the world. We then propose a renewal of the tripartite social contract in service of accessible, affordable, high-quality care for all residents of Canada in the decades to come.

Key messages

  • • Canada's universal, publicly funded health-care system—known as Medicare—is a source of national pride, and a model of universal health coverage. It provides relatively equitable access to physician and hospital services through 13 provincial and territorial tax-funded public insurance plans.
  • • Like most countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada faces an ageing population and fiscal constraints in its publicly funded programmes. Services must be provided across vast geography and in the context of high rates of migration and ethnocultural diversity in Canadian cities.
  • • In 2017, the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, the three key health policy challenges are long waits for some elective health-care services, inequitable access to services outside the core public basket, and sustained poor health outcomes for Indigenous populations.
  • • To address these challenges, a renewal of the tripartite social contract underpinning Medicare is needed. Governments, health-care providers (especially physicians), and the public must recommit to equity, solidarity, and co-stewardship of the system.
  • • To fully achieve the potential of Medicare, action on the social determinants of health and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples must occur in parallel with health system reform.
  • • Without bold political vision and courage to strengthen and expand the country's health system, the Canadian version of universal health coverage is at risk of becoming outdated.

History: a social democratic foundation

The words health and health care were nowhere to be found in the original Canadian Constitution of 1867. However, provincial governments were given explicit authority over hospitals in the constitutional division of powers between the federal government and the provinces and territories. Over time, these subnational governments became the presumed primary authorities over most health-care services.

In the early 1900s, Thomas Clement “Tommy” Douglas, then a young boy growing up in Winnipeg (MB), nearly lost a limb to osteomyelitis because his family was unable to pay for care. When Douglas later became the Social Democratic Premier of Saskatchewan, he implemented universal public health insurance for the province, making it the first jurisdiction with universal health coverage in North America. 8 This insurance initially covered hospital care in 1947. It was expanded to medical care (mainly defined as physician services) in 1962. Services were resourced by a provincial tax-financed plan. Hospitals and physicians maintained a high degree of autonomy, billing the public plan while designing their own models of care.

The federal government played a part in the emergence of universal health coverage during that period through its spending power, which it used, and continues to use, to maintain national standards for universal health coverage. Thus, the Saskatchewan approach was adopted in the rest of the country through the encouragement of the federal government, which originally offered 50 cents for every provincial dollar spent on universal health coverage. Panel 1 outlines key events in this complex historical process that culminated in the unanimous adoption of the Canada Health Act 9 in Canada's Parliament in 1984.

An abbreviated history of Canadian Medicare

Led by Premier Tommy Douglas, the Saskatchewan Hospital Services Plan is introduced as the first universal hospital insurance programme in North America

Led by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act establishes 50:50 cost sharing with provincial hospital insurance plans that meet the criteria of comprehensiveness, universality, accessibility, and portability (user fees are discouraged despite no explicit prohibition)

Implementation of the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act, with five provinces participating

Premier Tommy Douglas announces his plan for universal publicly funded medical insurance coverage (Medicare) in Saskatchewan

Organised medicine launches a large-scale campaign against Medicare

All ten provinces now participating in the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act

July 1, 1962

The Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Act takes effect, establishing universal publicly funded medical insurance for Saskatchewan residents

July 1–23, 1962

Saskatchewan doctors' strike, led by the Keep our Doctors committee

July 23, 1962

Saskatoon Agreement ends the strike, establishing opt-out provisions and protections for the fee-for-service, private practice model

Led by Justice Emmett Hall, the Royal Commission on Health Services recommends comprehensive universal health coverage for all Canadians

Led by Prime Minister Lester Pearson, federal Liberals announce support for 50:50 cost sharing with provincial health plans that meet the criteria of comprehensiveness, portability, universality, and public administration

Dec 8, 1966

The Medical Care Insurance Act is passed in Parliament, legislating federal support of provincial Medicare plans that meet the criteria of comprehensiveness, portability, universality, and public administration

July 1, 1968

The Medical Care Insurance Act comes into effect

All provinces now have established comprehensive medical insurance plans that meet the federal criteria for funding eligibility

Led by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, federal Liberals introduce Established Programs Financing, which provides block funding transfers to provinces and lessens federal involvement in health-care provision

Led by Justice Emmett Hall, the Health Services Review raises concerns about the increase in user fees and extra billing by physicians

The Indian Health Policy is adopted, formalising the federal government's responsibility for health-care provision for Indigenous Canadians as directed by constitutional and statutory provisions, treaties, and customary practice

Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Queen Elizabeth II sign the Constitution Act, establishing Canadian sovereignty through patriation; previously established Constitutional convention remained unchanged, including provincial jurisdiction over health service delivery and financing, and a federal role in pharmaceutical regulation, public health, provincial oversight, and provision of services for those groups under federal Constitutional authority (such as Indigenous peoples, armed forces, veterans, inmates, and refugees)

Under Minister of National Health and Welfare Monique Bégin, the Canada Health Act is passed unanimously by Parliament, explicitly banning extra billing and establishing criteria for transfer payment eligibility (with penalties for violations): public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility

The Canada Health Act outlines the terms and conditions to which all provincial and territorial plans must adhere in order to access federal funding for health care: portability, universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, and public administration ( panel 2 ). Three of these conditions are particularly effective in ensuring some commonality across 13 health systems: portability, universality, and accessibility. Portability allows insured residents to keep their coverage when travelling or moving within Canada. 11 Universality stipulates that access must be on uniform terms and conditions—ie, individuals do not have preferential access based on the ability to pay privately. Accessibility means that no user fees are charged for publicly insured services: when a Canadian visits a doctor or is cared for in any department of a hospital, there is no payment or deductible. Provincial and territorial governments have upheld the principles of the Canada Health Act through various laws and policies to ensure ongoing federal funding; currently, federal transfer payments amount to approximately 20% of provincial health budgets. 12

Overview of the Canada Health Act

The following criteria and conditions must be met for provinces and territories to receive federal contributions under the Canada Health Transfer.

  • • Public administration: plans must be administered and operated on a non-profit basis by a public authority
  • • Comprehensiveness: plans must cover all insured health services provided by hospitals, physicians, or dentists (for surgical dental procedures that require a hospital setting)
  • • Universality: all insured residents must be entitled to the insured health services on uniform terms and conditions
  • • Portability: insured residents moving from one province or territory to another, or temporarily absent from their home province or territory or Canada, must continue to be covered for insured health services (within certain conditions)
  • • Accessibility: not to impede or preclude, either directly or indirectly, whether by user charges or otherwise, reasonable access to insured health services

Adapted from 9 , 10 .

Financing: deep public coverage of a narrow basket of services

Financing in three layers.

Expenditures on health constitute 10·4% of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP; table ). This figure increased consistently for many years and peaked in 2010, at 11·6%, but decreased steadily in the years following the 2008–09 recession. 14 Although this figure seems to have stabilised, 14 it has not yet recovered to its previous peak.

Canada versus OECD comparators by indicators of the Triple Aim

OECD=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. HAQ=Health Access and Quality. NA=not available. GDP=gross domestic product. PPP=purchasing power parity.

Pundits and think tanks often claim that governments in Canada have a public monopoly on health care, but only 70·9% of total health expenditure is publicly sourced, mainly through general taxation. 15 This percentage represents a considerably lower public share than that of the UK and most other nations in western Europe ( table ). Approximately half of the 30% private expenditure comes from out-of-pocket payments by patients; the other half is covered by private supplemental health insurance plans.

The financing of health services in Canada involves three layers ( figure 1 ). Layer one comprises public services (those that Canadians recognise as Medicare): medically necessary hospital, diagnostic, and physician services. These services are financed through general tax revenues and provided free at the point of service, as required by the Canada Health Act. Coverage is universal in this single-payer system. The most important quality of this layer is relatively equitable access to physician and hospital care. 16 Another benefit is cost containment: within Canadian publicly funded insurance plans, administrative overhead is extremely low—less than 2%—because of the simplicity of the single-payer scheme. 17

Layer two services are financed through a mix of public and private insurance coverage and out-of-pocket payments, and include provision of outpatient prescription drugs, home care, and institutional long-term care. Provinces and territories each have a diverse mix of public programmes in this layer, without any national framework. For example, in some provinces, such as Ontario, all senior citizens older than 65 years have public prescription drug coverage, whereas in others, such as British Columbia, drug coverage is income tested. 18

Layer three s ervices are financed almost entirely privately and include dental care, outpatient physiotherapy, and routine vision care for adults when provided by non-physicians. 3

Approximately 65% of surveyed Canadians have private supplemental health insurance, mostly through their employers. 19 This insurance covers some or all of the costs of layer two and three services, notably outpatient prescription medicines, generally with co-payments or deductibles. 20 An additional 11% of people have access to supplemental services through government-sponsored insurance plans. 19 However, many Canadians do not have supplemental insurance, with provincial estimates ranging from a quarter to a third of the total population. 19 , 21 These individuals have to pay out of pocket for outpatient medicines, counselling services (when provided by non-physicians), and more. Such spending has been steadily increasing, particularly for low-income Canadians. 14 More than CAN$6·5 billion in household funds was spent on pharmaceuticals alone in 2014. 18 The large number of Canadians who do not have access to supplemental insurance has led to concerns about equity, fuelling calls for public coverage of a wider range of services than are currently available in layer one.

The federal government holds special responsibilities for providing health coverage and services to Canadian Forces personnel, inmates of federal prisons, eligible Indigenous people, veterans, and certain groups of refugees. 22 The federal government also has stewardship responsibilities for pharmaceutical regulation, health data collection, and health research funding ( figure 1 ).

A small number of Canadian residents do not have public insurance for layer one services. Most are newcomers experiencing provincially mandated delays in coverage, rejected refugee claimants, and temporary residents with expired work or education permits. 23 In Ontario, a province of 13·6 million people, approximately 250 000 people are non-status residents and might therefore be unable to access health-care coverage. 24 When necessary, these people often attempt to access care through emergency departments, where upfront payment is not required. 25

Decentralisation of delivery: a defining feature of Medicare

Medicare is a single-payer layer of financing that is highly decentralised in terms of service delivery. This split between financing and provision of care evolved very differently from, for example, the more centralised National Health Service in the UK.

Doctors are most commonly independent contractors, billing public insurance plans on a fee-for-service or other basis. 26 Despite the fact that they work within the boundaries of regional or provincial health authorities and in hospitals financed almost entirely publicly, few accountability relationships exist between physicians and health authorities, hospitals, or governments. 27

This structure can again be traced back to Saskatchewan, where physicians responded to the single-payer model with a province-wide strike for 23 days, demanding to preserve their ability to bill patients or private insurance plans rather than the government. 28 The strike ended with the Saskatoon Agreement, a truce whereby doctors would become part of the system as publicly paid but self-employed professionals with minimal engagement in or accountability to system-wide governance. 29

Further fragmentation is inherent in the fact that hospitals, health authorities, and other organisations often have their own independent boards and separate budgets, and thus make decisions about the kinds of services they will provide independently of other parts of the system. 9

The centralised data collection that occurs in single-payer insurance plans has great potential to support quality improvement of the health system. Currently, these data inform the strategic directions of health ministries and support excellent health services research in most provinces. Unfortunately, their use for operational purposes to drive front-line improvements has been scarce. Data are seldom provided in real time to organisations and providers delivering care because of the prioritisation of privacy, data security, and the difficulties involved in provision of just-in-time data from large administrative databases. 30

The ease of innovation scale-up that should in theory characterise a single-payer environment remains under-realised. 31 , 32 In Canada, the rate of adoption of electronic medical records increased from about 23% of health-care practitioners in 2006 to an estimated 73% in 2015. 33 Nonetheless, hospital-based systems and primary care systems are commonly designed in isolation from each other. This separation makes information sharing difficult as patients move through distinct parts of the system that use different electronic tools unlinked to each other, causing further fragmentation of care.

National bodies that could overcome fragmentation of coverage or service delivery have had varying degrees of success. The special Canadian brand of decentralisation is illustrated in the case of health technology assessment, an area in which many countries use arm's length agencies to make nationwide decisions about funding allocation (eg, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK). The Canadian version is the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), an intergovernmental body that provides evidence-informed funding recommendations as to which drugs and technologies should be publicly covered. However, unlike most international health technology assessment organisations, CADTH's outputs are advisory only. Although regional health plans made coverage decisions consistent with these recommendations in more than 90% of cases between 2012 and 2013, manufacturers must nonetheless navigate 13 provincial and territorial labyrinthine approval processes even after receiving CADTH sanction. 32 Furthermore, 85% of private plans provide coverage for all prescriptions, including those that CADTH recommends against, with the result that evidence-informed recommendations do not necessarily cross the public–private divide. 34

The context for change

Fiscal constraints.

As Canadian governments, providers, and the public consider how to address the important health policy challenges of the day, their options are defined by several factors. Some of these factors are common across many countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), such as fiscal constraints, population ageing, and the social determinants of health; other factors have uniquely Canadian elements, such as geography and particular patterns of migration.

Following the recession of 2008–09, economic growth in Canada was slower than it had been throughout much of the post-World War 2 era, with GDP growth averaging just over 2% annually between 2011 and 2016. 35 In the past decade, provincial governments have increasingly focused on reducing the rate of growth in health-care spending, which constitutes 38% of provincial budgets based on the pan-Canadian average. 14

Population ageing

In demographic terms, Canada is still a younger country than many European nations. 36 The fertility rate in Canada, which was 1·6 children per woman in 2015 ( table ; data from World Data Bank Portal), has remained relatively stable over the past decade, largely because of higher rates of childbearing among Indigenous and foreign-born Canadian women than among the general population. 37

Nevertheless, ageing remains an inevitable reality as the baby boom generation enters its senior years. People aged 65 years and older represent Canada's fastest growing age group, and 85% of seniors aged 65–79 years reported having at least one chronic condition in 2012. 38 The financial burden of ageing is not expected to be catastrophic, contributing an estimated less than 1% per year to health-care spending; however, the trend is important for design of health services. 39 The traditional hospital-focused and physician-focused nature of the Canadian system must evolve to meet the growing need for home-based and community-based care, interprofessional team-based care, and institutional long-term care. 40

Social determinants of health

The Lalonde Report of 1974 ( panel 3 ) served as a catalyst for widespread recognition that health is determined more by social, cultural, economic, and gender-based determinants of health than by access to health-care services. 41 In a country where the contribution of health services to health is estimated to be only 25%, the impact of other determinants including poverty is considerable. 42 More than 13% of Canadians were living in a low-income household in 2016. 43 This hardship disproportionately affects vulnerable Canadians from particular ethnocultural backgrounds and some groups of migrants who are more than twice as likely to experience poverty than other Canadians. 44 Thus, as is the case across high-income countries, policies aimed at income redistribution, housing support, and early education and childhood development programmes will continue to be crucial to the health of the population. 45

The history of national commissions and inquiries on health care in Canada

1961–64: Royal Commission on Health Services (Hall Commission)

Led by Justice Emmett Hall, the Commission recommended comprehensive health coverage for all Canadians and development of national policy in health services, health personnel, and health-care financing.

1973–74: A New Perspective on the Health of Canadians (Lalonde Report)

Led by Marc Lalonde, Canadian Minister of National Health and Welfare, this paper introduced the public health imperative and called for the prevention of illness and promotion of good health. It called for the expansion of the health-care system beyond disease-based medical care.

1979–80: Health Services Review

Led by Justice Emmett Hall, this review reported on the progress made since the 1964 commission and sought to determine whether provinces were meeting the criteria of the Medical Care Insurance Act. This inquiry identified widespread extra billing and user fees, and served as a catalyst for the Canada Health Act.

1991–96: Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples

The Commission investigated the evolution of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and governments in Canada. Major recommendations included the training of 10 000 health professionals over a 10-year period.

1993–97: Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada (Krever Inquiry )

Led by Justice Horace Krever, the Commission investigated the use of contaminated blood products that infected 2000 transfusion recipients with HIV and 30 000 with hepatitis C between 1980 and 1990. This Commission led to the creation of Canadian Blood Services in 1998.

1994–97: National Forum on Health

Commissioned by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, this group of experts from across Canada focused on broad determinants of health and the need for enhanced emphasis on evidence-based care.

1999–2002: Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology Study on the State of the Health Care System in Canada (Kirby Committee)

Led by Senator Michael Kirby, this committee conducted a comprehensive review of Canadian health care. Recommendations included a call for enhanced federal oversight to ensure effective care and efficient resource use, and highlighted poor health human resource planning as a cause of geographical inequities.

2001–02: Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada (Romanow Commission)

Led by former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow, the Commission called for a renewed commitment to the values of equity, fairness, and solidarity. The report was the catalyst for the 2003 “Accords” and the establishment of the Health Council of Canada (defunded in 2014) to monitor progress on key objectives.

2003: National Advisory Committee on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Public Health

Led by David Naylor, this committee was established to review the circumstances of the 2003 SARS outbreak. The report identified significant issues with public health in Canada and led to the creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

2008–15: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Undertaken as part of holistic and comprehensive response to the systemic abuse suffered by Indigenous Canadians under the Indian Residential School system, the commission identified calls to action to advance reconciliation. Although not specifically focused on health care, the report highlighted substantial gaps in health care for Indigenous people and outlined the substantial impact of the trauma on mental and physical health.

2015: Advisory Panel on Healthcare Innovation

Led by David Naylor, the panel's Unleashing Innovation report highlighted the need for enhanced patient engagement, workforce modernisation, technological transformation, and improved scale-up of existing innovations.

The geographical challenges to Canada's health system are enormous. Approximately 18% of Canada's population lives in rural or remote communities dispersed throughout 95% of the area of the second largest country in the world ( table ). North of the densely inhabited Canada–USA border corridor, the need for remote primary care facilities and frequent medical transport to specialised centres renders health-care delivery both challenging and expensive ( figure 2 ). 46 The distribution of health-care providers and resources does not mirror need: only 13·6% of family physicians and less than 3% of specialists live in rural and remote areas of Canada. 47 Similar distributional imbalances exist for nurses and other regulated health-care professionals.

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Population density and distribution of hospitals in Canada (and the UK)

The map shows the population density and wide geographical distribution of health-care delivery. For comparison, a map of the distribution of hospitals in the UK is shown inset. Hospital data for Canada are from DMTI Spatial, 2016, and population data for Canada are from Statistics Canada, 2016. UK hospital data are from the National Health Service, 2016, and UK population data are from Eurostat.

These realities have led to the emergence of high-performing regional networks for expensive specialty care, such as trauma services, cancer care, and organ transplantation. Telemedicine—in which local providers or patients receive specialist advice via telecommunication—has facilitated rapid access to emergency subspecialty assessment and follow-up, and is gradually expanding its role in chronic disease management. 48 New curricula and legislation have allowed rural nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and primary care physicians to broaden their scopes of practice into areas such as oncology or surgery. 49 , 50 Trainees across the regulated health professions are increasingly being trained in rural or remote communities to prepare them for careers outside major cities. 51

Despite these successes, Canadians living in remote areas must often travel long distances to access anything beyond the most basic forms of health care. 52 For example, in Nunavut, a northern and largely Indigenous territory, 58% of patients needing inpatient and outpatient hospital care are transported outside the territory. 53 These geographical complexities might change in the coming decades, as Canada continues to urbanise. Census data from 2016 show that almost 60% of Canadians now live in metropolitan areas, with one in three individuals living in Toronto, Montréal, or Vancouver. 54

Ethnocultural and linguistic diversity and migration

Migration has been and remains an important force shaping Canadian demography and identity ( figure 3 ). At present, more than one in five Canadians are foreign-born. 55 Canada welcomed nearly 325 000 immigrants and refugees in 2015, representing just under 1% of the total population. 56 Most immigrants and refugees settle in one of the country's three biggest cities—Toronto, Montréal, or Vancouver. 57

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Map of Canada by country of birth

The map illustrates the population density and the proportion of provincial populations based on country of birth. For comparison, a map of the UK by country of birth is shown inset. Population data for Canada are from Statistics Canada, 2012, and population data for the UK are from the UK Office of National Statistics, 2016.

Despite the Canadian commitment to multiculturalism and a general historical pattern of strong immigrant integration into Canadian society, the health status of many migrant groups often differs from that of Canadian-born patients. 58 , 59 , 60 Newly arrived economic immigrants are typically healthier than the general population, but this so-called healthy immigrant effect declines over time, partly because of the stresses of integration, and it is not found across other classes of migrants. 61

Recent immigrants are twice as likely to have difficulty in accessing care than are Canadian-born women and men, and seek primary care less often than either established immigrants or the Canadian-born population. 62 , 63 However, with longitudinal data controlling for individual propensity to seek care, immigrants are no more likely to be without a regular doctor or report an unmet health-care need than is the Canadian-born population. 64 For refugees, challenges are more prevalent and complex. 65 Language is the most commonly cited reason for difficulty in accessing care among many categories of migrants, whether they are newcomers or established. 55 Availability of interpretation services and adequate use of those services, along with appropriate training for health-care providers and increased health and legal literacy for newcomers to Canada, would pave the way for improved access to context-sensitive care ( panel 4 ). 65 , 66

Health-care experiences of vulnerable groups in Canada

Vanessa: an Indigenous health story

Vanessa is a healthy 28-year-old First Nations woman pregnant with her third child. Her two previous deliveries were uncomplicated and her pregnancy is considered low risk. On her northern First Nations reserve, primary care services are provided by nurses in the community clinic and supported by a family physician who flies in once a month. The nearest community an hour away has a small hospital, but provides no intrapartum services.

Vanessa has access to prenatal care close to home. It is important for her that such care is given within the community, increasing the ease of access and sense of cultural safety. Her medical care and prenatal vitamins are covered through public health insurance plans, as is her transportation to medical appointments outside the reserve. She worries about her partner when she is away, particularly given the deep impact of a cluster of recent suicides in the community that included his teenaged sister. The community is affected by many preventable deaths, including suicides, and trauma, but no births—the circle of life feels incomplete.

At 34 weeks' gestation, Vanessa must travel to the city, where she sits in a motel room and waits to go into labour. Neither the timing of the baby's arrival nor the potential complications that can arise can be predicted, so Vanessa waits alone. As for most women in communities like hers, the birth will occur not with a midwife in her community, but in a hospital hundreds of kilometres away from her partner and children, compromising her much-needed sense of cultural safety. Her access to health-care services free at the point of care is critical, but she wishes her care could be connected to her home, her family, and her culture. If these defects in the system are addressed, perhaps Vanessa's next generation will grow up to expect access to such vital, culturally safe health care.

Mahmoud: a migrant health story

Mahmoud is a 52-year-old Syrian dental surgeon who arrived in Canada with his wife and four children in 2016, as a government-sponsored refugee family. The children started public school while both parents enrolled in the government-funded English-language training for the first months of settlement.

Despite having publicly funded health insurance immediately on arrival, Mahmoud does not access primary care for himself or his family for many reasons, including discomfort with the English language and a lack of knowledge of where to seek care. When he begins to feel unwell, after stalling for a long time, he goes to a local community clinic. An appointment is given for him to return with interpreter services for the following week.

Unfortunately, in the meantime, Mahmoud is admitted to hospital with uncontrolled blood sugars. He is started on oral hypoglycaemics. As a refugee, his medicines are covered, but when he transitions to regular provincial health insurance he will have to pay for his medicines out of pocket.

The process associated with recognition of Mahmoud's dental credentials and skills is complex and lengthy. To take care of his family, he takes up taxi driving. With his unpredictable hours, he finds it hard to comply with his prescribed regimen and starts missing follow-up appointments.

As the Ramadan period approaches, Mahmoud knows he will fast but does not consult with the health team at the local clinic, unsure whether he would be understood as he does not know how to get an interpreter. Despite the fact that there is an increasing sensitivity to the diversity of the Canadian population by the health-care professionals, who are also becoming increasingly diverse, more work is needed to improve communication and personalisation of care, especially at the primary care level.

Policy challenges

Three urgent issues.

Canadians have a life expectancy at birth of 82·14 years ( table ), which is longer than the OECD average. Canada also outperforms the USA, the UK, and Denmark in terms of amenable mortality (ie, deaths that should not occur in the presence of timely and effective health care), as measured through the Health Access and Quality (HAQ) Index. 13 But key observations from international comparisons point to a decades-long struggle with wait times for some elective care and inequitable access to services outside the traditional Medicare strength of hospitals and doctors. 67 Average life expectancy also masks variations in vulnerable groups, most notably Indigenous populations: First Nations people have a projected life expectancy of 73–74 years for men and 78–80 years for women; for the Inuit, living in the far north, life expectancy was 64 years for men and 73 years for women as of 2017. 68

What is most distressing to many observers of the Canadian system is the persistence of its problems over time. 69 Change in Canada is often slow and incremental, by contrast with the major and rapid transformations often observed in reforms of the UK's National Health Service. 70 It is thus most accurately described not as a system in crisis, but a system in stasis. 71 Within that context, and considering the complex needs of many segments of the Canadian population, three crucial problems require action.

Wait times for elective care are too long

Urgent medical and surgical care is generally timely and of high quality in Canada, as indicated by outcomes such as acute myocardial infarction mortality ( table ). However, the timeliness of elective care, such as hip and knee replacements, non-urgent advanced imaging, and outpatient specialty visits, is problematic. 72 The proportion of Canadians waiting more than 2 months for a specialist referral is 30% ( table ), which is far greater than any OECD comparator in the Commonwealth Fund's comparison of 11 countries. 67 Similarly, the proportion of Canadians waiting more than 4 months for elective non-urgent surgery is greatest at 18%.

Governments have experimented with wait-time guarantees, focused programmes, and targeted spending in priority areas such as cancer care, cardiac care, and diagnostic imaging, with varying degrees of success. For example, all provinces achieved wait-time benchmarks in radiation oncology in 2016, but long elective MRI wait times remain largely unchanged over the past decade, despite substantial growth in the number of machines purchased and scans done. 73 , 74

The high degree of physician autonomy in Canada does little to encourage doctors to join organised programmes to reduce wait times. Successful models exist, such as the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute in Calgary, which reduced wait times for consultation for hip and knee replacement from 145 days to 21 days through innovations including interprofessional teams and centralised referral. 75 However, physicians have competing responsibilities, and there is no systemic support for their involvement in system change. If a government or regional health authority wants physicians to participate in such an initiative, it must often rely on exhortation or simply pay its doctors more to gain their involvement. Poor federal–provincial–territorial collaboration also hinders the ability to scale up such successful responses to wait times across provincial borders, hence the characterisation of Canada by at least one former Minister of Health as a “country of perpetual pilot projects”. 76 , 77

Canada's reasonable performance on composite quality metrics such as amenable mortality suggests that these wait times for elective care do not necessarily translate to worse health outcomes. 78 However, for the Canadian public, long wait times for elective care are a lightning rod issue and threaten to undermine support for Medicare. Some groups have turned to the courts as a means of challenging the public–private payment divide. Relying on the constitutional Charter of Rights and Freedoms, major lawsuits in Quebec and British Columbia have argued that various provisions of provincial laws, including those that prevent privately financed care, are at the root of public wait times and threaten the right to security of the person. 79 , 80 , 81 , 82

Little more than a decade ago, the Quebec government responded to the Supreme Court of Canada's Chaoulli decision by allowing private insurance for a few types of surgical procedures, but this outcome did not create a viable private market for a health insurance duplicative of Medicare. 83 A more ambitious lawsuit impugning provincial Medicare laws was launched in British Columbia in 2016. 84 Unlike the Quebec trial, which sought only to overturn limits on private duplicative insurance, the plaintiffs in the Cambie Surgeries Corporation case in British Columbia seek to also overturn restrictions on user fees and on physician dual practice. 85

In the past decade, Canadian courts have made important judgments on several other major questions of health-care delivery, including the legalisation of safe injection sites, reinstatement of insurance coverage for refugee claimants, and legalisation of medical assistance in dying. 86 , 87 , 88 These decisions have generally increased access to care for vulnerable people. However, should the court in the Cambie Surgeries Corporation case establish a legal right for Canadians of means who wish to jump the public queue, this case could fundamentally reshape Medicare laws across the country and could threaten equitable access to care. If Canadians are unable to find ways to change the system from within through clinical and political leadership, there is a risk that changes will be forced by the courts, which are a blunt instrument for making policy change.

Services outside the Medicare basket are often inaccessible

Up to a third of working Canadians do not have access to employer-based supplemental private insurance for prescription medicines, outpatient mental health services provided by professionals such as social workers or psychologists, and dental care. 21 These individuals are more likely to be women, youths, and low-income individuals. Public coverage of those services varies between provinces, but generally focuses on seniors and unemployed people receiving social assistance, leaving the working poor most vulnerable. 89 Thus, inequities in health outcomes driven by the social determinants of health are at risk of being compounded by the narrow but deep basket of publicly funded services.

Notably, Canada is the only developed country with universal health coverage that does not include prescription medications, and 57% of prescription drug spending is financed through private means. 18 , 90 Nearly one in four Canadian households reports that someone in that household is not taking their medications because of inability to pay. 91

Beyond prescription drugs, inequitable access to home-based care and institutional long-term care is pressing. In 2012, nearly 461 000 Canadians aged 15 years or older reported that they had not received help at home for a chronic health condition even though they needed it. 92 Because such layer two services receive inadequate public financing, Canadians aged 65 years or older have cited inability to pay as the main barrier to accessing the home and community care support they needed. 92 Some combination of inspired leadership, public financing, engaged governance, robust regulation, and intergovernmental cooperation seems to be needed to protect the public interest and address inequities of access to layer two services.

Indigenous health disparities are unacceptable

As in other settler societies such as Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, Indigenous populations in Canada were colonised and marginalised. In the Canadian case, marginalisation took the forms of Indian Residential Schools, government-enforced relocation, and historically segregated Indian hospitals, to name a few. 93 , 94 Three distinct and constitutionally recognised groups—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—constitute 4·3% of the Canadian population and experience persistent health disparities relative to the non-Indigenous population, including higher rates of chronic disease, trauma, interpersonal and domestic violence, and suicide, as well as lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates. 95 , 96 , 97 For example, Canada's infant mortality rate dropped by 80% from more than 27 deaths per 1000 livebirths in 1960, to five per 1000 livebirths on average in 2013. 98 However, the estimated rate in Nunavut (the northern territory in which approximately 85% of the population is Inuit) was more than three times the national rate at 18 deaths per 1000 livebirths in 2013. 98

Other far-reaching inequities exist in the social determinants of health that even the best health-care systems cannot redress. Indigenous Canadians face substantial wage gaps of up to 50% compared with non-Indigenous groups, after adjustment for education and age. 99 Persistent racism and social exclusion permeate not only the health-care but also the education and justice systems, with subsequent disparities in high school education rates, incarceration rates, and other factors often driving egregious health statistics. 100

These challenges are not evenly distributed: figure 3 illustrates the proportion of the population that is Indigenous by province and territory. Due in part to higher fertility rates in the Indigenous population than in the general population, by 2036, a projected one in five people will be an Indigenous person in the western provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 101

A dizzying array of services in the health-care system, including federal programmes, provincially provided services, and highly bureaucratised add-ons, together continue to fail to meet the needs and constitutional rights of Indigenous people. 102 Indigenous people are covered by provincial Medicare plans, but some on-reserve health-care services fall under federal jurisdiction, and many Indigenous people receive supplemental insurance through the federal government.

Canada is actively grappling with its colonial history. An unprecedented Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released a report 94 in 2015 that shared the stories of Indian Residential School survivors who lost connection to family, land, culture, and language through a process intended to assimilate them into western society. Seven of the 94 calls to action in the report refer directly to steps required to address the inequities in health. From recognising and valuing traditional Indigenous healing practices to training Indigenous doctors and nurses and setting measurable goals to close gaps in access to health-care services, the TRC calls to action address crucial themes, many of which are rooted in self-governance. The newly established First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia, which is self-governed and community-driven, is an example of the type of emerging model intended to address the demand for self-governance in the administration and delivery of culturally safe and responsive services for Indigenous people in Canada. 103 The remaining TRC calls to action, should they be implemented, would help to reduce disparities in the social determinants of health, leading to better health-care outcomes.

An opportunity to renew the social contract

The role of governments: federal, provincial, and indigenous.

As Canadians observe the 150th anniversary of Confederation in the face of these three important challenges, a renewed vision of the roles of governments, providers, and the public will be required to overcome the stasis of the present and achieve the potential of single-payer Medicare. Rather than continue the Canadian tradition of slow, steady, and incremental change, governments must step forward boldly and with proactive commitment to ensure a vital and sustainable system for all Canadians.

The predominant administrative and delivery responsibilities for health care in Canada will always lie with provincial and territorial governments. The work of reorganising resources, building infrastructure, and delivering programmes for an ageing population under fiscal constraints is theirs to lead. For wait times in particular, a focus on provincial implementation of successful projects using the available financial and policy levers is long overdue.

However, provincial and territorial governments cannot succeed alone. At a few key times in Canadian history, the federal government has overcome decentralisation and fragmentation by setting a national vision for health care and investing politically and financially in that vision. In an era in which Canada is reasserting its commitment to progressive values on the international stage, 7 health care represents a key domestic opportunity to recommit to the core Canadian values of equity and solidarity. 104

The movement to expand the scope of the public basket of services is at the heart of this approach, and we support mounting calls for universal prescription drug coverage 105 as well as expanded home care, 106 long-term care, 106 and mental health services 107 to be included in layer one of the financing system. Royal Commissions as far back as the 1964 Hall Commission 108 and as recent as the 2002 Romanow Commission 109 have clearly articulated the need for this expansion. In particular, debates about a so-called Pharmacare system are gaining needed momentum, as multiple economic evaluations have suggested that improved access through an expansion of public coverage is possible at lower overall costs. 110 As the Quebec experience illustrates, it is difficult for any one province to begin alone as Tommy Douglas did in Saskatchewan—federal cost sharing and stewardship will be required at an early stage to achieve the savings as well as the coverage and quality goals of Pharmacare. 111

With respect to wait times, solutions will continue to be based in local innovations, but the infrastructure for national spread and scale-up requires active federal involvement. One possible approach, recommended by a federally commissioned panel on health innovation, would be a Healthcare Innovation Fund intended to accelerate the spread and scale-up of promising innovations. 32

A constructive partnership between the federal government and Indigenous peoples could overcome one of Canada's most difficult challenges—the very poor health outcomes of Indigenous peoples. Newly established principles guiding the relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples, as well as the launch of a new federal Ministry of Indigenous Services established in August, 2017, could set the tone for renewed terms of engagement. 112 This commitment to self-determination will mean supporting new models of self-governance within and beyond the health-care sphere, with a particular focus on healing from intergenerational trauma and a strengths-based, wellness-focused approach to enhancing the social determinants of health. Canada's considerable experience with decentralised models of health-care delivery should allow for such innovation, and the opportunity must be seized with more urgency.

The TRC's calls to action must move from suggestions based on the courageous voices of survivors of the Indian Residential School system to non-negotiable tasks for all levels of government, all professional organisations, and all citizens. These tasks include: first, measurement and frank evaluations of health-care systems and programmes; second, creation of cultural safety and humility within a health-care system that needs to rebuild trust; and third, true representation of Indigenous Canadians within the ranks of providers and leaders of the health-care system. Mutual accountability here is essential.

The role of providers

Canadian hospital-based nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other health professionals are employed by health service delivery organisations and regional health authorities. As employees, these regulated health professionals have accountability for quality improvement and system reform, and their influence and importance in the system have been increasing steadily for decades. 113 The scope and availability of interprofessional and nurse-led care models continue to grow, as evidenced by policy outcomes such as the rapid increase in nurse practitioners in Quebec as part of that province's approach to primary care reform. 114 Given the importance of interprofessional teams in improvement of access to high-quality primary and specialty care, such teams must be accelerated to reduce wait times, work on disparities associated with social determinants of health, and improve care for vulnerable groups.

By contrast, Canadian physicians remain primarily self-employed, independent professionals. 115 Ongoing conflicts are fuelled by mounting pressure to alter this arrangement and increase professional accountability for and to the system. 116 Productive partnerships between physicians and governments at times exist, but co-stewardship of finite resources is not built into the structure of the system. The need for physician engagement, both at the individual and collective level, is crucial as Canada moves to address long wait times for elective care, because solutions so often involve the reorganisation of traditional referral models and the introduction of team-based care. Furthermore, expanded public coverage of prescription medications will necessitate a drive towards more evidence-informed and value-based prescribing. Canadian physicians are well situated to constructively contribute to such efforts to define value and help to shift behaviour. As founders of evidence-based medicine and important contributors to global medical research, Canadian physicians must help to lead the necessary research and debates on change within the health-care system. 117 They are critical partners in ensuring quality, consistency, and availability of services. 27 Medical associations in at least two provinces have recognised the importance of system stewardship in the practice of professionalism and have committed to health system reform in collaboration with governments. 118 , 119 The Canadian Medical Association's renewed strategic plan places patients at the core of its mission. 120 And leaders in medical education have embraced a social accountability mandate and are actively working to train the “right mix, distribution, and number of physicians to meet societal needs”. 121 This approach is a model with potential broad international application.

The role of the public: patients, taxpayers, and citizens

It is not yet clear what mechanisms will emerge to alter patient behaviours as the system evolves. An early example of patients being encouraged to engage directly in system stewardship is Choosing Wisely Canada. This clinician-led campaign to address overuse of tests and treatments is part of the international movement to reduce low-value care. 122 The campaign offers four questions that patients can ask to start a conversation with their health-care provider about whether a test, treatment, or procedure is necessary. 123 Users of services will also need to be willing to participate in new models of care delivery that have been shown to successfully reduce waits for specialty care. These models will include those that are more team focused than physician focused, and models centred in comprehensive primary care with expanded scopes of practice.

Public engagement and participation in health-care policy require engagement with people as taxpayers, who want value for money, and as citizens, who continue to believe in the principle of equitable access to services. At times, governments have assessed public support for various reform options through the public consultations of independent Royal Commissions or external advisory panels, many of which are listed in panel 3 . National Royal Commissions are independent inquiries, invited through the power of the Crown to investigate matters of national importance and characterised by extensive consultations with the public. 124 , 125

Such commissions produce reports that are often accused of gathering dust, but at times they can be transformative in terms of public views and judgment, eventually having a profound effect on government policy. Some commissions even produce immediate change. Despite admirable efforts by health-care providers on the ground in Ontario and British Columbia to contain the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, a subsequent review highlighted long-ignored flaws plaguing the system that were unmasked by the outbreak and led to formation of the Public Health Agency of Canada 1 year later. 126 , 127

As in the rest of the world, other models of citizen engagement in public policy are being explored, but the value of such initiatives is not yet known. 128 Citizens' panels are becoming more common, such as one on national Pharmacare in 2016. 129 Public support for and participation in values-based, evidence-informed decision making will be crucial to ensure financial sustainability and to mitigate the risks of overprescribing in the area of pharmaceutical policy.

Public engagement in health research—as seen, for example, in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded Canada's Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research— incentivises each province and territory to identify research priorities in collaboration with patients, and must continue. 130 Public input of this kind should be nurtured, since it can help policy makers to balance the need for health system investment against other social priorities.

Canadian lessons for a global world

Canada's most important accomplishment by far has been the establishment of universal health coverage, which is free at the point of care, for medical and hospital services. The preservation and enhancement of Medicare are due largely to Canadians' pride in caring for one another—an expression of equity and solidarity that runs core to Canadian values. Hinging on a social consensus of equitable access to health care, the simplicity of the system—no variable coverage, no means testing, and no co-payments—is easy for Canadians to understand and support.

But universal health coverage is an aspiration, not a destination. All countries must continuously consider the depth and scope of coverage that is politically achievable and fiscally feasible. In Canada, that necessary work has not been done for more than 40 years. The Canadian experience thus offers a cautionary tale on incrementalism. In the absence of bold political vision and courage, coverage expansion can be very difficult to achieve, with the result that the Canadian version of universal health coverage is at risk of becoming outdated.

A powerful mechanism such as a single-payer insurance system is only as good as the willingness of system leaders to use it for reform. In turn, reform requires a willingness on the part of governments to pursue change, rather than simply managing the status quo. Clear mechanisms are lacking to consistently realign resources to meet population needs, promote evidence-based care, reduce variation, and contain costs. Health care is ultimately a local affair, and no patient or provider wants the payer in the examination room. However, much of the potential benefit of a single-payer structure is lost when institutions are independent, with little accountability. The potential of the system is further limited by the fact that physicians function alongside but outside the system, rather than as accountable participants through employment or other contractual means. Co-stewardship and accountability should be recognised as integral parts of payment systems rather than avoided or grafted on afterwards.

When Tommy Douglas first established public health insurance in Saskatchewan in the late 1940s, his goal was to begin by creating insurance models that would eliminate the financial barriers to care. He intended to follow that with a second reform of health service delivery that would focus on population health needs, with an emphasis on the reform of delivery models and on the social determinants of health. 131 His government, and subsequent governments, provincially and federally, managed to overcome fragmented institutional structures and decentralisation of power to make the first stage of his vision a reality, but not yet the second. To achieve that second stage in the 21st century, determined action on the social determinants of health and a joint effort by governments, health-care providers, and the public in achieving health system reform will be needed. With bold political vision and courage, this ambitious goal is within reach. 132

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge funding from the McGill Observatory on Health and Social Services Reforms and from the Canada Research Chair in Policies and Health Inequalities (AQ-V) for maps developed by Tim Elrick and Ruilan Shi at the McGill Geographic Information Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada. We thank Ian McMillan and Leah Kelley for assistance with references, formatting, and submission; Karen Palmer for assistance with copy edits, critical review of the manuscript, and expertise regarding the British Columbia court case; and Meb Rashid for his expertise regarding migrant and refugee health issues.

Contributors

All authors contributed to the formulation of the ideas in the manuscript and the writing of initial drafts. All authors contributed to the literature search and editing of the manuscript. APM, DM, and AQ-V contributed to the figures. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript before submission.

Declaration of interests

DM is currently an external adviser to the Government of Canada on a review of pan-Canadian health organisations. NRC is a consultant for the cancer strategy of British Columbia's First Nations Health Authority and co-director of the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada). GPM was executive director of the Romanow Commission. We declare no other competing interests.

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Colonialism in Canada

Article by Karl S. Hele

Published Online December 19, 2023

Last Edited December 19, 2023

Colonialism is the process through which a foreign people establish control over a territory and, if applicable, its Indigenous peoples . Control is established through various means, including political or economic legislation directed at Indigenous peoples or their lands, foreign settlement, and assimilation of Indigenous peoples into the colonizer’s culture. While colonialism in different forms is a defining mark of the history of many countries, colonialism in Canada began in earnest with French settlement at Quebec in 1608. The history of the second colonial power to influence Canada, the British, began in 1670 when the Crown issued a Royal Charter to the Hudson’s Bay Company .

French Colonialism in Canada

French colonial activity in Canada began as early as the 16th century. Jacques Cartier planted a cross at Gaspé , Quebec in 1534, claiming the land in the name of the king of France. However, it was not until 1608, when Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec , that France established a long-term permanent presence. An early attempt at settlement at Port Royal in 1605 failed by 1607 ( see Port-Royal National Historic Site ). In the years that followed, the French established a colonial environment in various ways. These included immigration , surveying seigneuries for French settlement, implementing French civil law, establishing the Catholic Church, and implementing policies and practices directed at Indigenous peoples . The founding of New France was based on the Doctrine of Discovery and the notion of terra nullius.

Jacques Cartier

Trade companies from across France undertook early colonial administration in New France. These companies aimed to populate territory claimed by France for economic purposes. During this time, Catholic orders established missions to convert Indigenous peoples, such as the Sainte-Marie Among the Huron mission.

Following the failure of the trade companies in maintaining the colony, the king of France established New France as a province of France. The French government took over administrative control in 1663. One aspect of the French government’s increased control was the deployment of the Carignan-Salières Regiment . This regiment enforced the will of the king of France in the territory. These efforts included the migration of approximately 800 young women from France to increase the colony’s French population and support its self-perpetuation ( see Filles du roi ).

French officials sought to create a homogenous population. In the words of one French official, “we would like to see only one people in all the land.” France also hoped Indigenous peoples would seek a closer relationship with them. They believed Indigenous peoples would become “civilized” if they were converted to Catholicism. French policies in the 17th century aimed for assimilation — the incorporation of Indigenous people into the colony through conversion, education and intermarriage. This led Récollets , a French religious order, to open a boarding school for Indigenous children in 1620. Other Catholic orders followed. School administrators hoped that Indigenous children, upon leaving these institutions, would act as colonial agents in their communities. The seminaries and boarding schools of 17th century New France were a prelude to the British-Canadian establishment of the Indian residential school system. New France also created reserves or mission settlements for Indigenous people ( see also Missions and Missionaries ). For example, settlements at Sillery , Odanak, Bécancour , Akwesasne , Kanesatake and Kahnawake were meant to teach Christian values and French culture to Indigenous people. Overall, French administrators believed that assimilation would strengthen the colony.

British Colonialism in Canada

British colonialism in Canada began in 1670. At this time, the Crown issued a Royal Charter to the Hudson’s Bay Company , granting it legal and trading rights to all the lands that drained into Hudson Bay . This vast area became known as Rupert’s Land , which included portions of current Quebec , Ontario , Manitoba , Saskatchewan , Alberta and Nunavut .

Britain, with the capture of Quebec and Montreal in 1760, began occupying French forts in the interior. Following the Seven Years’ War , Britain gained control of French claims to North America through the 1763 Treaty of Paris . That same year, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763 . The Proclamation established the basis for governing the North American territories. In addition, it acknowledged Indigenous peoples ’ right to hunt on land not ceded to the Crown, and reserved land outside the boundaries of the British colonies for Indigenous peoples. As sovereign of this territory, however, the king claimed ultimate “dominion” over the entire region. The Proclamation also protected Indigenous land from settler purchase, requiring that it first be sold or ceded to the Crown.

After 1783, with the influx of thousands of Loyalist refugees, British Canada continued to create colonial policies through the creation of New Brunswick in 1784 and Upper Canada in 1791. In Nova Scotia , for example, a high ranking British official claimed that First Nations were a “helpless race.” This sentiment played a role in the creation of the Act to Provide for the Instruction and Permanent Settlement of the Indians in 1842. The Act dealt with Indigenous education, poor relief, agriculture, permanent settlement and surveying for both the protection and sale of Indian lands. Legislation passed by the colonies also served to restrict and reduce First Nations people. For example, New Brunswick passed the Act to regulate the Management and Disposal of the Indian Reserves in this Province in 1844. This legislation led to massive land loss in 1844. Other colonies also sought control of what lands remained in Indigenous hands.

In Upper Canada, policies involved signing treaties to access land for settlement or resource exploitation while creating reserves . The first treaties to stipulate the creation of reserves in Upper Canada were signed in the 1850s ( see Reserves in Ontario ). In 1850, Lower Canada created an Act for the better protection of the Lands and Property of the Indians in Lower Canada. This Act was passed as Lower Canada created Indian reserves in the Ottawa Valley, such as Kitigan Zibi ( see also Reserves in Quebec ). This process removed First Nations from the land, settled them in a permanent community and opened the “free” land for French Canadian loggers. The Act also created the first definition of an Indian in legislation in the Canadas. Soon after this, Upper Canada passed the Gradual Civilization Act in 1857, which also contributed to the definition of Indian. The Gradual Civilization Act aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples by promoting enfranchisement , Christianization and acceptance of European ideals of private land ownership and accumulation of wealth. Indigenous people who had no debt, were considered educated, and who the colonial government considered of “good moral character,” were able to apply for a land grant from the government. The Act shows the underlying approach of colonial policies that aimed to discourage Indigenous peoples from presenting and maintaining their social and cultural practices, identity and ideals, while granting settlers access to lands and resources at the expense of Indigenous peoples.

In the late 1700s, religious orders renewed efforts to assimilate Indigenous children through day and boarding schools ( see also Indian Day Schools in Canada ; Residential Schools in Canada ). These efforts at assimilation continued, ultimately forming the basis for Canada’s residential school system that lasted from the 1830s until 1996. The intent of these residential schools was to assimilate Indigenous children through a Christian education while isolating them from the influences of the reserves. Graduates were expected to either merge into mainstream society or return to their communities to act as harbingers of change.

Effects of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples

Indian Act

When the Dominion of Canada formed in 1867, many policies, such as residential schools , continued. Other policies the Government of Canada created were similar to those enacted by the British Crown and its colonies. The Indian Act of 1876 reinforced and legitimated the domination of Indigenous peoples and lands. It has given the Crown control over nearly every aspect of Indigenous peoples’ lives and has worked towards assimilation and removal through systems like residential schools and bans on ceremonies, such as the Potlatch ban .

Did You Know? In 2007, a study by the Canadian Senate recognized that alienation from land created economic marginalization experienced by Indigenous peoples, which further contributed to lack of food security and education, high levels of poverty, unemployment, poor housing, homelessness and migration from home communities.

Regardless of intent, treaties have reduced Indigenous land holding for the benefit of the state, its settlers and corporations. The government created a reserve system that, when combined with racism and Indian policies, has led to poverty, ill health, violence and other forms of individual, familial and societal dysfunction. On top of this, resource extraction has led to contamination of soil and water, which has further eroded Indigenous sovereignty, culture and their right to self-determination.

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Further Reading

Amié Césaire.  Discourse on Colonialism (1955).

Boris Kishchuk.  Canadian Colonialism: Past and Present (2021).

Lisa Monchalin. The Colonial Problem: An Indigenous Perspective on Crime and Injustice in Canada (2016).

Emma Lowman. Settler: Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada (2015).

Cole Harris. A Bounded Land: Reflections on Settler Colonialism in Canada (2020).

Recommended

Doctrine of discovery.

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Residential Schools in Canada

Indian day schools in canada, gradual civilization act.

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Canada has become roadkill in global economic competition

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Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, centre, US President Joe Biden, second from left, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, speak before the start of the second working session of the G20 Leaders' Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sept. 9, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP/Getty Images

Carlo Dade is director of trade and trade infrastructure at the Canada West Foundation. He is also a member of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations.

Countries may be friendly in engaging each other, but they are not friends.

They are allies and competitors. And in competing globally with the United States for economic opportunity, Canada has often been roadkill.

This need be front of mind as Canada again prepares a concerted effort to engage the U.S. after its November election and in advance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review in two years.

This roadkill reality has been a constant theme in Canada-U.S. relations from at least the 1950s, when the U.S. punished Canada for breaking its grain embargo of China during that country’s greatest famine, to the recent U.S. use of the NAFTA renegotiation (which produced the USMCA) to gain advantage over Canada in agriculture sales to China.

In these and other cases, including U.S. enforcement of its embargo of Cuba, what starts as a measure to promote legitimate U.S. security concerns – advertently or inadvertently, and often with great hypocrisy – morphs into measures that benefit U.S. businesses and harm their competitors.

This reality is set to worsen as the U.S. increases the scope, intensity and extraterritoriality of security measures it employs in its conflict with China. For example, it is already foreshadowed in U.S. hints that Canada’s slow compliance with seizing (what the U.S. claims are) forced-labour goods from China – as mandated under the USMCA – will be on the table in the coming review.

In this hypersecurity environment, the warm, fuzzy romanticism of a friendship needs to be replaced by sober, clear-headed thinking as part of an overall retooling of how Canada engages the U.S. It is also helpful to draw lessons from how Canada has historically managed the tension between trade and security interests with the U.S.

Between the mid-1950s and the early 60s, a low point in modern Canada-U.S. relations, Canada was losing global wheat sales through the U.S. use of political coercion abroad and subsidies disguised as foreign aid. This caused farm incomes on the Prairies to fall drastically, precipitating a crisis. Ottawa’s entreaties to Washington were ignored. Around this time, Canada gained entry into the Chinese wheat market, where the Americans were absent owing to an embargo on China, ostensibly for security reasons. Canadian grain sales grew; Washington was furious.

Rather than discuss a more equitable sharing of global grain markets, the Kennedy administration had U.S.-based oil companies refuse to fuel grain ships at the Port of Vancouver and threatened Canada’s auto industry. At one point, the Americans suggested that they grant licences for Canada to violate the embargo, essentially to approve which Canadian products Canada could ship from Canadian ports and to whom.

Most recently, during renegotiation of the North American free-trade agreement, the Americans, at the last minute, inserted a clause to deter negotiating a trade agreement with China, again ostensibly for security reasons. This clause, which allowed a country to leave the agreement if another negotiated a deal with China, had no new legal or material effect. The right to leave for any reason existed in previous treaty versions. It did, however, have a psychological impact, essentially scaring the Canadian public, private sector, media and politicians. But while Canada panicked, the Americans negotiated and then signed their own partial trade agreement with China, which gave specific, unique advantage to American agricultural exporters at the expense of Canadian counterparts.

We’ve been to this rodeo too often not to know that the Americans use legitimate security concerns – such as the Cold War, containing Cuba and, more recently, countering China’s rise – to also realize commercial advantage.

We have been and will continue to be good allies with the Americans on security issues. We need to learn to be better competitors, which we can do without hostility, aggression or a “beaver warrior” (a Canadian version of China’s “wolf warrior”) approach to economic diplomacy.

We did so in the past. Whether Canada can rediscover that clarity in an era of greater economic, psychological and security dependence on the U.S. is an open question to be answered at the review of the USMCA two years hence.

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Emigration from Canada to the U.S. hits a 10-year high as tens of thousands head south

Census says 126,340 people left canada for the u.s. in 2022, a 70 per cent increase over a decade ago.

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Tens of thousands of Canadians are emigrating from Canada to the United States and the number of people packing up and moving south has hit a level not seen in 10 years or more, according to data compiled by CBC News.

There's nothing new about Canadians moving south of the 49th parallel for love, work or warmer weather, but the latest figures from the American Community Survey (ACS) suggest it's now happening at a much higher rate than the historical average.

The ACS, which is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, says the number of people moving from Canada to the U.S. hit 126,340 in 2022. That's an increase of nearly 70 per cent over the 75,752 people who made the move in 2012.

Of the 126,340 who emigrated from Canada to the U.S. that year, 53,311 were born in Canada, 42,595 were Americans who left here for their native land, and 30,434 were foreign-born immigrants to Canada who decided to move to the U.S. instead.

That Canadian-born figure is notably higher now than it has been in the past. It's up roughly 50 per cent over the average number of Canadians born in Canada who left for the U.S. in the pre-COVID period.

United Nations data compiled by Statistics Canada and shared with CBC News shows the U.S. is by far the most common destination for Canadian emigrants.

There were about 800,000 Canadians living in the U.S. as of 2020, eight times more than the 100,000 who live in the U.K., according to the latest UN figures.

A number of Facebook groups have popped up to help Canadians make the move. Recent arrivals use them to share tips on how to secure a visa or green card, where to live and what to do about health insurance.

One group called " Canadians Moving to Florida & USA " has more than 55,000 members and is adding dozens of new members every week.

The real estate agents and immigration lawyers who help Canadians make the move say the surge is being driven partly by a desire for a more affordable life.

But there are also people who say they have lost faith in Canada under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership and want to pursue the American dream instead, these agents and lawyers said.

Marco Terminesi is a former professional soccer player who grew up in Woodbridge, Ont. and now works as a real estate agent in Florida's Palm Beach County with a busy practice that  caters to Canadian expats .

'I hate the politics here'

Terminesi said his phone has been ringing off the hook for the last 18 months with calls from Canadians wanting to move to sunny Florida.

"'With Trudeau, I have to get out of here,' that's what people tell me. They say to me, 'Marco, who do I have to talk to to get out of here?'" Terminesi told CBC News.

"There's a lot of hatred, a lot of pissed-off calls. It was really shocking for me to hear all of this.

"And I'm not sure all of these people are moving for the right reason. People are saying, 'I hate the politics here, I'm uprooting my whole family and moving down,' and I say, 'Well, that problem could be solved in a year or two.'"

Marco Terminesi grew up in Woodbridge, Ont. but now lives in South Florida and sells real estate mostly to Canadians in Palm Beach County. He says a lot of prospective buyers are motivated to leave Canada because of politics.

Terminesi said he doesn't follow Canadian politics closely so he's not sure what's motivating the ill will among some prospective Florida buyers.

"This last year, I got fifty times more calls than in the past decade. And most, almost all of those callers are saying politics is why they want to leave," he said. "I don't pry, I just respond, 'Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it gets better.'"

While the U.S., like Canada, has grappled with inflation, the cost of living can be cheaper in some states.

The average U.S. home price is lower than it is here — $580,700 Cdn in the U.S. , compared to $703,500 in Canada . That's 20 per cent lower after adjusting for exchange rates. The price gap is even more stark in some states .

  • Have you recently moved to the U.S.? Are you thinking about making the move south? J.P. wants to hear your story. Email him at [email protected]

'Canada is not what it used to be'

Monica Abramov lives in Innisfil, Ont., north of Toronto, but is moving to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. with her American husband and three sons in the next few months.

She said she will miss her family and friends and what she calls the beautiful summer weather in southern Ontario, but she's looking forward to buying a more affordable home and cheaper groceries.

Her sons, die-hard hockey fans, will cheer for the Florida Panthers.

While they've been considering a move for the last 15 years, Abramov said she wants to move now because she feels Canada, and the Greater Toronto Area in particular, are going downhill.

Abramov said the health care system is a constant disappointment, with long ER wait times and lacklustre access to family doctors . She said taxes are creeping up and crime is an ongoing concern.

  • Massive new survey finds widespread frustration with access to primary health care

"There's a reason why so many people are making the move. It's a call for Canada to wake up and try to keep its residents," Abramov told CBC News.

"I've never known so many people who are making the move or have already moved, especially to Florida.

"I definitely think we're sadly going in the wrong direction — crime rates, carjackings. The health care system has been declining rapidly, year over year. Canada is just not what it used to be."

Monica Abramov and her husband are moving from Innisfil, Ont. to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in the next months.

Mithra Saunders moved to Polk County in Florida with his wife and daughter in October 2021 after being laid off from his job in Toronto during the pandemic.

Saunders qualified for an E-2 treaty investor visa because his wife owns a business selling water valves.

They do most of their work remotely and split their time between Toronto and Florida. The visa gives them the flexibility to come and go as they please.

"I'm not some person trying to run away from Canada at all. People are definitely pissed off with the politics. But I'm not a political refugee who says, 'I hate Trudeau,'" Saunders said.

"We just got down there and said, 'It's really warm down here. We're going to stay.' And so we did.

"We can sit on our laptops and look at the beautiful surroundings, or go hit the beach. Why wouldn't you want that? It's hard for Canadian winters to compete."

Mithra Saunders, pictured at an outlet mall in Tampa, Fla., and his family split their time between Toronto and Florida. He was drawn to the state because of its warm weather and lower cost of living.

Wages are often a lot higher in the U.S. for in-demand professions in fields like  information technology  and health care.

The tax burden is less onerous in many states. There's no state income tax in Florida.

In Arizona, a popular destination for western Canadian emigrants, there's a flat state tax rate of 2.5 per cent.

Some daily staples are also a lot more affordable south of the border, with lower so-called "sin" taxes on alcohol and tobacco in some states.

"I'm a red-blooded Canadian man who loves beer," Saunders said. "And I can tell you it's a fraction of the price."

As of Jan. 1, 2020, Ontario has scrapped all out-of-country insurance for medical emergencies, with an exception for dialysis services.

The recent surge in home insurance rates  and higher property taxes in some U.S. jurisdictions could offset some of those savings.

And Canadians moving to the U.S. also have major health care costs to consider.

About 54.5 per cent of the U.S. population has health insurance through their workplace. Another 18.8 per cent of Americans rely on income-tested Medicaid, while 18.7 per cent depend on age-related Medicare coverage, according to U.S. federal government data .

Roughly 10 per cent of Americans buy directly from an insurer and the premiums can be quite onerous.

A 55-year old single man living in Naples, Fla. without a workplace plan can expect to pay about $10,000 a year, according to a review of available options on that state's health-care exchange.

There are also other costs with private health insurance, like co-pays and deductibles.

'I see a huge influx of Canadians moving to the U.S.'

Len Saunders (no relation to Mithra) is a Canadian-born immigration lawyer living in Blaine, Wash., just over the border from the Lower Mainland in B.C.

He said he hasn't heard as much anti-Trudeau rhetoric from his clients on the West Coast — most of them just want to move across the border to buy a cheaper house or pay less in taxes.

Saunders said there's been a surge in interest from Americans living in Canada who want to bring their Canadian spouses to live in the U.S. That accounts for about 80 per cent of his firm's business, he said.

"Oh, I get dozens of calls a week and I'm just one lawyer in little old Blaine," he said.

"People grumble about Trudeau and they're not happy with him, but it's not a driving factor for my clients. I see a huge influx of Canadians moving to the U.S. and the main thing is just the cost of housing. It's a lot of young couples."

It's a relatively straightforward process for wealthy Canadian investors and people with American spouses  to get a green card.

It's much more difficult for the average middle-class person to get the necessary paperwork without a job lined up with a U.S. employer or a profession that qualifies for a NAFTA or E-2 treaty visa .

"Canadian couples — people without someone to petition for them — a lot of those people are out of luck. It's sad. They're stuck," Saunders said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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J.P. Tasker is a journalist in CBC's parliamentary bureau who reports for digital, radio and television. He is also a regular panellist on CBC News Network's Power & Politics. He covers the Conservative Party, Canada-U.S. relations, Crown-Indigenous affairs, climate change, health policy and the Senate. You can send story ideas and tips to J.P. at [email protected]

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Indian agent who provided fake papers to Indians to study in Canada jailed

Brijesh mishra, an agent of the overseas education consultant, was sentenced to 3 years in prison in canada for providing fake canadian college acceptance letters to indians. after his sentence is over in canada, mishra will be deported to india..

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Indian students in Canada

  • Brijesh Mishra, an immigration agent, has been jailed for 3 years in Canada for student-visa fraud
  • He allegedly charged each student Rs 14 to 16 lakh for fake documents for study visas
  • He was arrested in June 2023 for residing in Canada on an expired tourist visa

Brijesh Mishra, a 37-year-old Indian national and an agent of the Overseas Education Consultant, has been sentenced to three years in prison in Canada after pleading guilty to multiple Canadian immigration offences, including misrepresentation and communicating false information. After his jail term is over in Canada, Mishra will likely be deported to India. He faces criminal charges in India, including a human smuggling offence under the Punjab Travel Act, which carries a maximum penalty of death.

Mishra charged students lakhs of rupees for the fraudulent documents, which at times led to their deportation.

Mishra's arrest came after an investigation by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) that linked him to numerous fraudulent acceptance letters from Canadian colleges and universities provided to prospective international students from India between 2016 and 2020.

Mishra, who provides education and migration services to students in Jalandhar, was arrested in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia, after being found residing in Canada on an expired tourist visa.

In October, the federal government reported investigating over 2,000 cases of international students receiving fake acceptance letters through travel agents and consultants, with Mishra identified as one of the main culprits in this fraud.

Mishra allegedly charged between Rs 14 to 16 lakh from each student who applied for a study visa in Canada.

Last year, around 700 Indian students from Punjab, who arrived in Canada to pursue higher education, faced deportation due to fake offer letters provided by their agent in Jalandhar .

The Canadian government conducted outreach programmes in various parts of Punjab to prevent immigration fraud.

This initiative came after the discovery that 700 Indian students had used fake college admission offer letters to study in Canada. These students were allowed to present their case with evidence, and their removal was temporarily halted.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) authorities have also been informed that many landlords in various Canadian provinces were charging exorbitant rent and sometimes denying amenities to international students.

According to IRCC data, Canadian authorities rejected 7,528 study permit applications from India between January 2018 and May 2023 due to altered and forged documents.

VICTIMS' PLIGHT AND CBSA INVESTIGATION

Victims of the scam travelled to Canada for higher studies between 2017 and 2020, completing their courses and obtaining work permits.

The scam was unearthed during document verification by the CBSA after the victims applied for permanent residency.

Mishra had issued fake acceptance letters to dozens of Indian students aspiring to study in Canada.

These students entrusted Mishra with their personal documents and paid fees, only to discover upon arrival in Canada that their admissions were fake.

Mishra's responses varied, sometimes offering help with enrollment at other institutions and, at other times, evading the victims entirely.

Ravinderpreet Singh, a 28-year-old originally from Tarn Taran, Punjab, now living in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is among the affected former students.

As one of the organisers of last year's protests against deportation, he expressed mixed feelings about the situation.

“I’m glad Mishra is finally being punished, but three years isn’t enough. He wasted years of my life, and I went through depression and financial hardship,” Singh stated, reported the Hindustan Times.

COURTROOM PROCEEDINGS AND SENTENCING OF MISHRA

"I'm sorry. I cannot change the past, but I can make sure I do not do it again in the future," Mishra expressed remorse for his actions in a Vancouver courtroom, reported CBC News.

Federal Crown prosecutor Molly Greene and defence lawyer Gagan Nahal reached a joint sentencing submission, resulting in a three-year prison term. Mishra's time in custody since his 2023 arrest counts towards his sentence, meaning he will serve an additional 19 months.

After serving his sentence in Canada, Mishra is expected to be deported to India, where he faces further criminal charges, including a human smuggling offence under the Punjab Travel Act, which carries a maximum penalty of death.

Mishra's family in India has been harassed by the family members of his alleged victims, according to Vancouver City News.

Following his deportation, Mishra will face legal proceedings in India, where he has multiple charges and arrest warrants pending.

The CBSA continues to locate all possible victims of Mishra and other fraudsters, aiming to support genuine students in completing their studies in Canada.

"Our focus will continue to be on helping individuals assessed as genuine students as part of the task force so they can complete their studies in Canada," the CBSA stated. Published By: Girish Kumar Anshul Published On: May 31, 2024

Canada-United States Border and Relations Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

The border US security structure since 9/11

Provisions of the us-canada free trade agreement and nafta, the canada-united states friendly relations.

Bibliography

Securing the United States’ borders, including land, air, and sea from illegal entry by immigrants, and contraband such as weapons and drugs has been the face of America’s security structure from before the lapse of the 9/11 attack. 1

However, after the 9/11 attack, the security structure took a new twist and continued to shape to meet the challenges of new threats. America believes in strengthening its homeland security to achieve economic prosperity. While the US shares a common border with Canada to the North and Mexico to the south, the security department is the vigil of the fact that these borders could be porous to bring about a serious security breach. After the 9/11 attack, homeland security has been committing to great levels of border security check, including personnel, intelligence, and technology, to its border with Canada and Mexico with increased maritime and air surveillance. While the terror threats persist, the American security structure continues to grow stronger than it was before the Al-Qaeda hit. 2

Today, America is more prepared to detect, thwart, and defeat terrorism with greater resilience to keep its diplomatic ties with both Canada and Mexico. Together, the American Security Council’s effort to safeguard its borders continues to lay a strong foundation to protect its citizens from terrorism and other contrabands while safeguarding its international relations with both Canada and Mexico.

The American Security Council partners with the Canadian government, especially in the wake of the 9/11 attack, to strengthen its border surveillance, and together two nations have come up with a robust security enterprise to optimally mitigate and safeguard its borders against the dynamics of terrorism. 3

There has been the increased need to minimize risks that emanate from porous border points to maximize the ability to detect, confront, and mitigate threats and attacks from terror groups. In the wake of 9/11, the United States promulgated the Patriot Act to help its government in securing its borders. The US Patriot Act was officially instituted in 2001 as the most sweeping enactment following the 9/11 attack. As an effective homeland security commitment to ensure the safety of the American people, the Patriot Act aimed to restore order through surveillance and rapid tracking response, including seizures and detention of suspected terrorists and their agents. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attack, President Bush, together with the Attorney General John Ashcroft, effectively rallied Congress to increase the federal powers of search, seizures, surveillance, as well as the detention of suspects. In the meantime, the concerns of domestic liberties were put away deliberately as the Act unanimously got support from both the Democratic and Republican divide. 4

The key features of the Patriot Act included the Roving Wiretaps that allowed the federal agency to wiretap any telephone conversations that terror suspects and agents might use to penetrate the security systems. In the course of all these developments, the federal agency became more consistent in the use of internet tracking as a means of fast-tracking internet communication. The law enforcement authorities, therefore, had the capacity to interfere directly in the personal accounts of individuals using the internet without necessarily having to obtain warrants for such impersonations. The Patriot Act also guaranteed the federal authorities the right to order for business records for private and public companies for litigation scrutiny and auditing by the federal authorities. 5

In so doing, federal investigators have been able to access information and communications from consumer purchases, bank records, credit cards, libraries as well as schools, and colleges. Moreover, the Act instituted a special Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court with the capacity to issue search certifications at the request of an investigator to launch a terrorist investigation on foreign visitation to America. In addition, the Aliens Reporting and Detention Act authorize the Federal authorities to require reportage by foreign persons visiting America, and those found to be in America illegally risked arrest and detention without plea or warrant.

Within the tenets of keeping with the traditions of the Patriotic Act, the US Customs and Border Protection empowered the federal authorities to seize the property or obstruct such logistics of suspected terrorists. Individuals whose property fall victim to the rule bear a duty of proof that the property in question was not for the purpose of terrorism and the provision also guaranteed no claim. The detention laws allowed the federal authorities to detain suspected terrorists and agents for lengthy periods during which interrogation and effective investigation for such persons will take place within America and their home countries. The federal authorities also became effective in fast-tracking the indigenous American citizens from terrorist connections. Patriot Act instituted prohibition against harboring terrorists as a duty to thwart the emergent terrorist networks in America, Canada, and from other parts of the world. Harboring individuals who have committed a felony amounting to terror, therefore, became highly constrained by the federal authorities. 6

In retrospect, the Patriot Act unleashed a tall order for the various institutions charged with the security of the American populations. In achieving the objectives of the Patriot Act, the American citizens became more involved in ensuring the smooth passage of the Act by showing a commitment to thwart terrorism. Terror suspects and agents, by contrast, carry the greatest responsibility for their crimes as provided for by the Patriot Act.

What could be done to make the border work better in Canada

America and Canada have deeply rooted historical ties strengthened by shared geography and at times – culture and socio-economic heritage. The two nations exist in mutuality and have the largest bilateral trade partnerships rated at over $700 billion annually, including across border jobs that the two nations share. 7

As such, the United States- Canada’s common border is more than a geographical boundary presented on a map – the two nations drive livelihood from one another in many ways. With its enormous stretch, the US-Canada border holds countless ports that are an aperture to goods and people from both countries. The US-Canada borderline is, thus, a lifeline to the numerous lives of the citizens of both countries and, for that matter, the pivot for US-Canada economic competitiveness. America and Canada have a long-standing tradition of international relations to promote security, to facilitate movement across the borders to boost trade and develop their economies. 8

Despite the increased threat of terrorism and contraband in recent years, the two nations have continued to build stronger ties to promote legitimate trade and across border travels for ease of access to commodities and infrastructure. The Beyond Border Declaration signed in 2011 between the US’s President, and Canadian Prime Minister is a strategy that seeks to provide joint security at their borders as well as mutual economic competitiveness for the two countries. The Beyond the Border initiative intends to expand and institutionalize the international relations between the two nations not only at the common border points but also in the heartlands.

Such initiatives as Beyond, the Border Declaration , should provide opportunities to Canadian residents, itinerants, and local industries to trade well with their American contemporaries and beyond. Moreover, the security authorities of both nations might use this opportunity to address key security issues through protocol facilitation and assimilation, as well as through logistics and emergency management. As the implementation of this initiative continues to grow, the Canadian government should strategically direct more energy in leaning from the pilot programs intended to enhance innovative approaches, forwarding and clearance, and foreign corporations for long-term relationships. 9

Canada and America might push for greater joint intelligence assessments to strengthen the dualistic methodical collaboration to thwart the security and economic threats posed by terrorists and a tremendous pool of contraband that the two nations face currently. America and Canada recognize that the need to identify the central awareness to build capacity and develop a platform for bilateral planning to reduce the gap discrepancy between the two nations and establish priorities in securing the shared borderline. Moreover, the two nations need to advance joint efforts capable of countering aggression from across the border, Canada particularly might use this opportunity to advance its research aptitude to inure best practices from the US’s success, and secure tools to monitor terrorists and to detect, and deter their activities. In addition, these two nations further need to engage in numerous multilateral forums to increase terrorism awareness, advance disaster preparedness to progress trade, and develop their economies in stature. Finally, Canada might take this opportunity to bolster its security system by implementation initiatives such as Entry/Exit immigration information versioning to track down on terrorists and their agents to secure a viable environment its economic growth. 10

The provision of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Canada and America was reached upon by negotiations between the two nations in 1987. 11 FTA aimed to phase out the prevailing wide-ranging trade tariffs that hindered economic growth between the two nations. In the 1990s, Mexico joined its regional neighbors in fronting a formidable economic block. In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was born, thus comprising of United States, Canada, and Mexico as the key players in the region’s common market. As provided for in its stipulations, NAFTA sought to remove obstacles to trade for goods and services and to increase the free movement of persons between Canada and the US. The provisions under this agreement also enshrined conditions for fair competition within the economic trade area while establishing liberalized conditions for inverter interests within these two trading blocs. NAFTA also sought to establish robust frameworks for joint security administration along the borderline to enhance regional agreement and to facilitate dispute mechanisms for resolutions of border conflicts. 12

Within NAFTA, both Canada and the United States find common ground to reach a compromise on furthering bilateral and multifaceted confederation to facilitate and realize the ideals and the benefits for which NAFTA was formed. America and Canada realize that they can perfect their unilateral capacities by joining hands to work together to facilitate services for their people under these trade agreements. Furthermore, these trade agreements have been instrumental in securing opportunities for both countries in terms of trade, border security, and economic competitiveness. The joint economic block between Canada and America forms a common market where both countries invest their primary goods and services with limited restrictions. 13

These trade agreements have further increased the adoption of micro human yield with financial viability that has seen the region grow in stature. The growth factors within these agreements have always been in the form of direct sales of the products and services. In the end, the cash price between the two trading blocs has been tremendously profitable. In the resulting stable common market, there has been increased investor confidence and enhanced foreign exchange in the region. These trade agreements alone are responsible for the beefed-up border security surveillance that the region enjoys currently.

Debate and implementation

The debate that culminated in the NAFTA pact was very contentious in Canada, with the main opposition Liberal Party threatening to tear it apart if they assume power. Other opposition parties were also opposed to the idea of NAFTA, and the New Democratic Party strongly objected to the agreement. The Canadian opposition vehemently opposed these agreements in unity, arguing that NAFTA particularly would erode the sovereignty of Canada and sell its birthright to the United States of America. 14

Moreover, the opposition in Canada was greatly concerned with Canadian social activities, bilateral trade, and security pacts such as Auto Pact as bearing a bleak future for the nation. The contentious partisan debate eventually sparked off strong public debate as the Canadian society became polarized along with partisan positions. While the proponents of the government of Canada thought it was wise to enter into a bilateral pact with the United States, opposition supporters thought otherwise. With the increased mixture of public interest and conflict, there was a delay in the implementation of these agreements as the Liberal Party sought to subdue the government ruling due to its majority in the senate.

In the subsequent election, these trade agreements became the focus of the campaign with the proponents of the Trade Agreements fronting their ideals to the electorate while the opponents of these agreements sought otherwise under the banner of “Free Trade Election.” The trade agreements played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Canada during the campaigns as the society shaped up along ideological blocs with proponents and opponents of the trade agreements using lobbyists in gravitating their ideals and win over the electorate. In the culminating events, political propaganda played out in the debates with negative advertising taking shape to demean the trade agreements. 15

The opponents of the trade agreements embarked on a rigorous anti-free trade politicking that pointed to the encroachment of the US- Canadian border by the American government. The pollsters conducted within the period showed slight discrepancies of those in favor and those who are against the trade agreements, although much of the polls showed the Canadian society mainly behind the Progressive Conservative Party edging towards the agreement. Both NDP and the Liberals divided the anti-free trade vote making the government win over the opposition. With the Trade Agreement confidence bestowed on the government, the government of President Mulroney quickly passed the agreement bringing the pact into force. In the United States, by contrast, the trade agreement received cordial reception with minimal opposition. To begin with, the American public seemed less conscious of the Trade Agreement, and so it never sparked off greater public debate. The Congress received the treaty to modify it, after which President Ronald Reagan ratified it into law after House and Senate passed it in 1988. 16

The nature of free trade in Canada

Many academicians and opinion leaders argue that it could be difficult to measure precisely the ramifications of these trade agreements; however, in both Canada and the United States, the results of these pacts are magnificent. Upon its legislation, trade rapidly evolved between the United States and Canada, leading to a market share never witnessed before between the two economies. Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by over 25 percent within the first year of the pact as it opened its borders with America in the enhanced free-market economy. Moreover, between 1990 and 1999 exports increased exponentially to about 40 percent of GDP in Canada. Furthermore, in the wake of the new millennium, Canada’s GDP rose overnight to nearly 50 percent. 17

The robust trade agreement between Canada and the United States probably manured the grounds for the region’s economic growth. There has been an increased commitment to trade in export and import products between companies from the two regions. The two nations continue to enhance trade as well as the facilitation of services such as security across the border through their Interpol to beef up border surveillance. With renewed investor confidence, Canada has been able to put its capital in America, and this, in turn, continues to beckon the American investors to tap into the tremendous reservoir of resources.

Generally, Trade Agreements have free trade been good for Canada. On many occasions, researchers and opinion leaders have pointed out that the effects of the Trade Agreements on Canada particularly have been great due to variance in the value of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar. Almost after the ratification of the Trade Agreement, the Canadian dollar rose exponentially against the American dollar. This phenomenon led to an increase in the price of Canadian products, while Canadian society could obtain from America such products at a lower cost. Moreover, the pact made it necessary to lower duties charged on American imports making the Canadian economy blossom in the booming trade with America.

More profoundly, the enactment of cross-border shopping made it easy for the Canadian economy to make good use of the tariff-free products that made it almost free to import from goods from America. However, the trade agreements have also come with an equal amount of disadvantages earlier, not anticipated in the pact. Throughout the economic decline, the Canadian community lost job opportunities, especially in the manufacturing segment, much of which is attributable to the free enterprise economy resulting from the Trade Treaties. As the recession period continued to hit, the Canadian dollar fell miserably against the stable US dollar, making Canada sell its products at a much cheaper cost. 18

Canadian chief exports such as oil and lumber particularly received a big blow in the culminating economic slump down. In America, the declining Canadian dollar made it export mainly its cheap products, making it hard for Canada to cope with the economic meltdown.

Trade Agreements sought to eliminate trade tariffs to mend the market forces between the two nations. The agreements achieved greatly in their capacity to raise currency values, which eventually culminated into greater economic growth between the two nations. While the agreement was a success factor in many areas, it failed to liberalize trade in all sectors of the economy. The Canadian primary producers particularly found it hard to trade with their American counterparts, which increasingly preached the protocols of the agreements by imposing protectionist policies.

Canada and the United States demonstrate one of the world’s unique relationships. Being two independent states that occupy part of North America and working together by sharing the world’s lengthiest undivided boundary, each of them depending on one another for trade, security, and opulence, the two countries have a great cordial relationship. Regardless of fighting and scramble for fame in the previous years, the two countries emerged as if they were one entity in their goal for creating a formidable relationship meant to steer their economic development. Though the United States is more powerful in all aspects of rating, the two countries build a strong power of engagement.

The friendly relationship between Canada and the United States began in 1938 through the onset of war between Japan and the United States in quench to control the territories of the Pacific Ocean. Japan, to one end, maintained that part of the territory belonged to them while Japan also strongly maintained the territory was part of the Japanese land. In an attempt to control the menace, countries such as China, Germany, and Canada came into the verge to help the verge of collision in the expression of interest.

After lengthy discussions involving top government officials from the mentioned parties, no fruits yielded, making the two countries to set mechanisms forcefully to maintain control of the land. In this regard, Canada collaborated with the United States while China and Japan joined the Japanese military, prompting a war in early 1940. However, due to preparations, the war did not commence until late in 1944. This built the first stage of friendship between Canada and the United States of America. 19

In September 1939, the Second World War arose. The United States remained neutral though made two important agreements with the Canadian King that formalized the American support for Canada. In 1940, they established the first commitment referred to as the Ogdensburg Agreement that formed the Permanent Joint Board on Defense, which incorporated both militants from Canada as well as the USA. Later on, in 1941, they formed another agreement, the Hyde Park Agreement, that united the economies of the two countries during wartime. The two agreements later won approval from the United States Congress as well as the Canadian governing body.

The ties and admiration between Canada and the United States intensified as they headed to World War II in the last month of 1941. The determination of many Canadians to become American citizens frightened the King. According to Dyment, a public opinion poll conducted in the same year indicated a greater percentage were willing and ready to leave Canada and join the United States for the sake of their security. 20 However, the King maintained a relationship with the US before and even after the war.

The onset of the Cold War in 1958 with the Soviet Union created another binding conviction by most Canadians of the ability of the US to defend the universal value system as well as the security of all individuals in the world. This led to the signing of a joint continental air (NORAD) between Canada and the United States. Later in 1959, the two nations agreed to the Canada-US Defense Production Involvement Initiative. These growing links saw Walter Gordon and Vincent Massey jointly head royal committees on economics programs and cultural values. Markedly, this crucial factor contributed to the American influence in Canada. Even though the 1956 Pipeline Debate and the Suez Crisis Debate revealed fear among politicians over the American control on Canada’s governance systems as well as its plans, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker handed over Canada to NORAD and the defense-involvement scheme.

Consequently, he befriended President Dwight Eisenhower. However, he bewailed the widening gap between Britain and Canada, as well as the alarming adoption of the American culture and other influence. In 1961, however, when John Kennedy became the President of the United States, hatred loomed between the two heads of states leading to rapid differences in policy. The friendly relations broke when Diefenbaker rejected nuclear arms for Canada and subsequently vacillated support J. F. Kennedy on the missile disaster in Cuba in 1962. Kennedy, thereafter, blatantly faulted the Prime Minister for his failure to implement all obligations. The further rift between the two nations occurred when Diefenbaker faulted the Americans of interfering with the Canadian elections resulting in his defeat. The dealings further worsened when Prime Minister Lester Pearson declined to back the United States at the time of war in Vietnam. The Canadians openly disagreed with American influence and foreign policy. 21

Consequently, the emergence of cultural practices such as nationalist initiatives frightened the King. In addition, the economic upcoming of the National Energy Program became offended the Canadians more. Brian Mulroney’s election in 1984 again rejuvenated appeasement with the United States through the adoption of a Conservative model that destabilized the nationalistic rules and organizations like the Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA). Canadian polls of 1985 and 1986 displayed a robust backing for Free Trade and other programs established by Brian Mulroney. This established the first attempt to reunite the two countries; however, in early 1987, the backing waned.

The two countries formed commissions, which acted as a model of solidarity since top government officials from the two countries simultaneously participated in the decision making for the defense forces. Vincent Massey and Walter Gordon jointly chaired the commission with an equal number of members from the two countries. The commissioned aimed at promoting the economic and cultural status of the two countries without compromising their individual rights and freedoms. Regardless of the good relations formed, trouble started looming in the year 1956 when Canadian parliamentarians demonstrated fear over the influence of America on the culture and politics of Canada.

They accused the United States president of financially supporting a certain candidate in his bid to becoming the next Canadian Prime Minister. However, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker did not respond to such accusations but continued in building stronger relationships with the United States. In fact, he committed the Canadians fully to the NORAD and defense-sharing plan. Diefenbaker continued to build stronger relations with America, making close moves with President Dwight Eisenhower, a mutual relationship that Canadian legislatures perceived as a sacrifice of their nation to America. This further led to the weakening of the relationship between the Canadian parliamentarians and the Prime Minister. Upon the declaration and inauguration of John Kennedy as the President of the United States, hatred loomed with the two countries widening their rift. The hatred intensified, breaking all the policies earlier developed. The United States and Canada retained their different entities operating independently.

On the worse, the two countries went to the extent of expressing a cold war with the United States limiting foreign relations and aid to Canada. The widening rift between the two countries saw a reduction in the economic status of Canada with an outbreak of famine that the President did not bother to help. Later in the same year, Prime Minister Diefenbaker, in his attempt to retain his seat as the Canadian Prime Minister, lost to Lester Pearson, who became the prime Minister.

Regardless of a massive win by Lester, Diefenbaker rejected the results blaming John Kennedy for interfering with the elections. Upon the swearing-in of Lester as the Canadian Prime Minister, he first strives to build a cohesive relationship with his parliamentarians, building their integrity on the relationship between Canada and the United States. On the onset of the Vietnam War, the Canadians declined participation, arguing that they are reviewing their relationship with the United States to build formidable and everlasting ties. President John Kennedy, thereafter, retires before the conclusion of setting mechanisms to enable equal considerations of the two countries. The Canadians openly disagreed with American influence and foreign policy. Consequently, the emergence of cultural practices, such as nationalist initiatives, frightened the King. In addition, the economic upcoming of the National Energy Program became offended the Canadians more.

In October 1987, the two governments drafted a trade pact after prolonged consultations. This treaty built the foundation for the reelection of Mulroney Conservatives in 1988, after which the trade agreement fully became operational, vitally changing the Canadian-American economic relations. For instance, the goods from one country to the other could freely move with reduced taxes. Consequently, the hiring of workers to work in the United States as well as in Canada without an extra was possible. The agreement boosted the competitive advantage of the two countries, especially in the auto industry.

Later on, towards the end of 1987, the two countries discussed the issue and agreed to exempt it from their Partnership Act. After concluding on the matter they signed, they retreated through the incorporated another organization in its place, which received full support from the two countries. The trade treaty reached Mexico in 1994, but with a different name – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); it is still used today. At the time of NAFTA’s negotiations, a vast number of the US’s export on agricultural products required import licensing to other states within the North American region such as Mexico.

The region trade faced several challenges as some states had several red tapes and other non-tariff barriers that included an official import price, thus the agreement was a blessing to the region. It is worth noting that by the time North America Free Trade Agreement was implemented, the United States and Canada had a cordial relationship that allowed free trade making with lesser tariff barriers. This reflected into one-third of the global output amounting to more or less 1 trillion US Dollars.

However, the trade agreement failed due to the failure of agreements on subsidies to materialize. Moreover, Canada experienced limited scope in decision making in controversial matters concerning the US Congress due to inequality in the size of the two countries. 22 Markedly, the value made several scholars reach the conclusion that Canada is casting its destiny and fortune on the North American winds at all the time. The figures upon analysis by a Canadian auditor indicated a great loss. Nevertheless, trade between the two countries thrived well, leading to the eventual integration of political systems too. Precisely, NAFTA was and still is a good idea for tackling the North American regional issues.

When George W. Bush ascended to power, the relations between the two countries worsened, especially after the September 2001 extremist assaults on Washington and New York, as Canada blatantly refused to support the US in the Iraqi war. Notably, Canada saw the move as so aggressive and solely meant to serve the interests of the US. Canada did not help since it had sent its soldiers to Afghanistan in reaction to the 9/11 attack in the US.

Dyment reports that Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jean Chretien, declined to participate in the 2003 war against Iraq; they viewed this move as an act of fighting for a nation’s interest. Failure of Canada to participate in the campaign led to their rebuke by the US ambassador to Canada. In addition, upon the declaration of Canada’s non-partisan decision on the US program to construct a ballistic missile defense shield widened the rift between the two countries until the end of Bush’s term.

The start of enhanced dealings and associations between the US and Canada rejuvenated upon the swearing-in of Barrack Obama as the President of the US in 2009. The two governments continue to enjoy good relationships, always working together to improve the security and infrastructure through the sharing of information necessary to achieve valid results. For instance, the two countries lobbied to construct a new bridge at the border’s busiest crossing site, between Windsor and Detroit, with the objective of preventing the invasion of criminals and terrorists without interfering with trade or tourism. The interaction between the Americans and the Canadians continues to strengthen with the reign of Barrack Obama, making more trade ties aimed at improving the economic status of the two countries.

The Canadian government, through its Prime Minister Stephen Harper, prioritizes the export of energy by constructing the Keystone XL pipeline that connects Alberta oil sands to American markets in order to facilitate the transportation of oil. 23 This aims at improving the economic relations between the countries, boosting their financial income from such resources. Conversely, the idea received strong criticism from both the Canadian officials as well as from some members of the US Congress. Eventually, there arose difficulties in the relationship between countries on the oil linkage with President Barack Obama rejecting an original proposal from the TransCanada Corporation. Besides, the President shows reluctance to the signing of the revised version. The postponement frustrates Harper. Harper publicly declares that Canada would not take a ‘no’ answer on the Keystone XL.

Presently, Canada is the third-largest trading partner to the United States in goods and services. Moreover, it fosters greater economic integration among the participating countries providing a greater competitive advantage. The relationship between Canada and the United States is characterized by numerous tensions about specific incidences. However, the two countries show better relationships, which is likely to progress in the future even though it is difficult to predict their future relations. The two countries demonstrate proud sovereignty limiting their peaceful living and ability to trade constantly with one another. Over time, the two countries differed on different aspects of the partnership. Fortunately, they had set strategies that enabled them to reconcile and move on with their operations.

“Beyond the Border Implementation Report”. White House. 2015. Web.

Dyment, David. Doing the Continental A New Canadian-American Relationship . Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2010. Web.

Etzioni, Amitai. How Patriotic Is the Patriot Act?: Freedom Versus Security in the Age of Terrorism . New York: Routledge, 2004. Web.

Hufbauer, Gary Clyde, and Jeffrey Schott. NAFTA Revisited Achievements and Challenges . Washington, DC: Institute for International Economics, 2005. Web.

“ Securing and Managing Our Borders “. Homeland Security. 2015. Web.

Villarreal, Angeles, and Ian Fergusson. NAFTA at 20: Overview and Trade Effects . 2015. Web.

  • “Securing and Managing Our Borders”. Homeland Security. Web.
  • Amitai Etzioni, How Patriotic Is the Patriot Act?: Freedom Versus Security in the Age of Terrorism (New York: Routledge, 2004), 5.
  • Ibid., 126.
  • Beyond the Border Implementation Report”. White House. Web.
  • Beyond the Border Implementation Report”. White House.
  • Angeles Villarreal and Ian Fergusson, NAFTA at 20: Overview and Trade Effects . Web.
  • Villarreal, Angeles, and Fergusson Ian, NAFTA at 20: Overview and Trade Effects. Web .
  • Gary Clyde Hufbauer and Jeffrey Schott, NAFTA Revisited Achievements and Challenges (Washington, DC: Institute for International Economics, 2005), 23.
  • David Dyment, Doing the Continental A New Canadian-American Relationship (Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2010), 117.
  • Ibid., 143.
  • Ibid., 127.
  • Villarreal and Fergusson, NAFTA at 20: Overview and Trade Effects. Web .
  • Trucking provisions in NAFTA
  • The Impact of NAFTA on the United States
  • NAFTA's Replacement Agreement – USMCA
  • US Foreign Policy in Syria and Iraq
  • North and South Korea Unification Probability
  • US Invasion of Iraq: Causes and Consequences
  • Immigrants' Mistreatment: Then and Now
  • Hard or Soft Power in the Cold War's End
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

[UPDATED] Canadian High Commission 'aware' of YouTuber's arrest, working with authorities

Christopher

THE Canadian High Commission says it is "aware of the detention" of a Canadian national in Trinidad and Tobago.

Canadian YouTuber Christopher "Chris Must List" Hughes remains in police custody after his arrest on May 28.

A travel vlogger and self-proclaimed journalist, the 45-year-old documents gang culture and violence in several countries.

In many of his videos recorded in Trinidad and Tobago, there were civilians with guns, discussing ongoing gang wars.

Speaking to Newsday on Wednesday morning, Hughes's attorney Criston Williams said politicians and officers had made threats to Hughes, which he tried to report. However, Williams was unsure whether police had taken the report, as, he said, they were "giving him (Hughes) a hard time."

Williams said the nature of the threats was "too sensitive" to reveal.

Police are also concerned Hughes breached immigration laws by saying he was visiting as a tourist, as they consider his videos "work," since they are monetised.

Newsday asked head of the police's corporate communications unit Joanne Archie about the alleged threats against Hughes, to which she said, "Awaiting feedback on the issue."

Newsday e-mailed the Canadian High Commission on reports that Hughes had contacted representatives there for assistance.

A representative said Global Affairs Canada is "aware of the detention of a Canadian citizen in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

"Consular officers are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance.

"Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed."

This story was originally published with the title YouTuber Chris Must List's lawyer: Politicians, police made threats on his life and has been updated to include additional details. See original post below.

LEGAL representatives for Canadian YouTuber Christopher "Chris Must List" Hughes said he was arrested after trying to report that threats were made against his life by two "political figures" and two officers.

Hughes was arrested by the Special Investigation Unit on May 28 under the Anti-Gang Act.

The 45-year-old travel vlogger has been in Trinidad and Tobago for several weeks documenting gang culture and violence, among other things.

In some of his videos, civilians can be seen with guns and discussing ongoing gang wars.

Speaking to Newsday on Wednesday morning, Hughes' attorney Criston Williams said he was unsure whether police took the report about threats to Hughes' life, as they are "giving him a hard time."

But he confirmed Hughes was still being detained.

On Tuesday night, there was talk on social media that the YouTuber's life had been threatened.

Asked about this, Williams said, "Yes. He told me the threats came from two political figures and two police officers.

"And then they arrested him."

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  27. [UPDATED] Canadian High Commission 'aware' of YouTuber's arrest

    THE Canadian High Commission says it is "aware of the detention" of a Canadian national in Trinidad and Tobago. Canadian YouTuber Christopher "Chris Must List" Hughes remains in police custody after his arrest on May 28. A travel vlogger and self-proclaimed journalist, the 45-year-old documents gang culture and violence in several countries.